Graphene-on-SiC - ISOM

INDUSTRY MARKETS
in three different types of invertor: a 5 kW singlephase
inverter, a 20 kW three-phase inverter, and a
50 kW three-phase inverter. In all three cases, the
gap in the bill-on-materials between the inverter
incorporating siC and operating at 32 kHz, and
that just built with silicon electronics an operating
at 12 kHz, is shrinking fast (see figure 5 for an
example).
Figure 6. The payback
time on the premium
associated with an inverter
using SiC devices, rather
than those made from
silicon, is falling fast,
according to calculations
from Yole Développement
A second opinion
Philippe roussel from yole Développement also
discussed the opportunity for siC devices in solar
invertors in a presentation providing a roadmap
for wide bandgap materials to 2020. He pointed
out that sma and refusol are already using siC
diodes and transistors in 20 kW inverters, which
do not feature a modified architecture, operate at
standard conditions, and only derive an efficiency
benefit from the inclusion of siC. meanwhile,
other companies, such as the Us firms Enphase
and Power one, are combining siC diodes with
silicon devices. roussel has compared the bill of
materials associated with using silicon and siC
The penalty of greater expense is rewarded with
higher efficiency. roussel has calculated that
payback times for investing in the siC inverter
now stand at about 18 months to 4 years,
depending on the power of the inverter, and will
fall substantially throughout this decade (see
figure 6).
Thanks to this improvement in the return on
investment, sales of wide bandgap power
electronics will increase. During this time, there
will also be an increase in sales of lEDs into the
lighting market, plus a growth in Gaas content in
handsets. In short, the outlook for the compound
semiconductor market is positive, and if all goes
to plan, it should see off the threat of silicon in the
mobile phone market while taking market share
from it in the power electronic sector.
© 2013 angel Business Communications.
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