Evaluation of three-phase solar inverters using SiC devices

An evaluation is performed for three-phase solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) inverters using either Silicon (Si) or Silicon Carbide (SiC) power devices. Standard and emerging topologies for high-efficiency (>98%) PV inverters are identified and optimized for the capital cost of power filter components and power devices. Analytical formulae are developed for minimum filter inductance considering both current ripple and core-loss constraints. For string-type PV inverters, SiC power devices are shown to be cost competitive compared with Si power devices. Three example PV inverter designs are presented to showcase the use of SiC power devices. Experimental results demonstrate efficiency in excess of 98%.