Power Semiconductors Contributing in Energy Management
Power Semiconductors Contributing in Energy Management
[Purpose]
To curb the emissions of CO2, which is a cause of global warming, effective measures include utilizing renewable energy represented by photovoltaic and wind power generation, improving energy conversion efficiency and introducing electrically driven vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). One key to those measures is power electronics technology, which controls electric energy. Fuji Electric has developed and commercialized power semiconductors, which contribute to overwhelming downsizing and efficiency improvement of power electronics equipment.
This special issue presents the latest technologies and products relating to Fuji Electric’s power semiconductors.
1.2-kV SiC Trench MOSFET
TSUJI, Takashi; IWAYA, Masanobu; ONISHI, Yasuhiko
Fuji Electric has developed and released SiC planar gate MOSFETs. Excessive shrinkage of the cell pitch of planar MOSFETs leads to a high JFET resistance, which prevents them from achieving a low on-resistance close to the theoretical limit. To the contrary, the cell pitch of trench-gate MOSFETs can be shrunk without the increase of the JFET resistance. We have therefore developed a 1.2-kV SiC trench gate MOSFET. We have optimized the structures of the MOS channel and the JFET region, as well as reduced the cell pitch. Our trench-gate MOSFETs realize low switching loss, the increase of the threshold voltage 2.4 times, and the reduction of the on-state resistance by 48% compared with the conventional planar MOSFETs.
Fuji Electric has developed an All-SiC 2-in-1 module utilizing a SiC device that has been adopted in the development of a high-performance compact IP65 inverter characterized by its dustproof and waterproof features. In order to make use of the much lower switching loss of SiC devices compared with Si devices, it is necessary to create a highly reliable packaging technology that ensures high-temperature operation while also reducing wiring inductance inside the module. Fuji Electric has developed a package with a new structure to meet these requirements. As a result, the IP65 inverter reduces loss in the main circuit by 44% when compared with conventional inverters that use Si devices.
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Enhanced Breakdown Voltage for All-SiC Modules
HINATA, Yuichiro; TANIGUCHI, Katsumi; HORI, Motohito
In recent years, SiC devices have been widespread mainly in fields that require a breakdown voltage of approximately 1kV. They are expected to be used in the high voltage fields that require a breakdown voltage from 3 to 10kV such as railways, as well as the automotive field that require high reliability such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. Fuji Electric has developed a newly structured package featuring copper pin connections and resin molding to achieve SiC modules with high breakdown voltage. Based on the results of electric field simulations and thermal analysis, the electric field strength relaxation and high heat radiation are achieved by the optimization of the positioning and thickness of electrodes on the insulation substrate.
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Enhanced Thermal Resistance of Molding Resin Used for All-SiC Modules
NAKAMATA, Yuko; TACHIOKA, Masaaki; ICHIMURA, Yuji
SiC devices are capable of operating at high temperatures of 200ºC or higher, while conventional Si devices at 175ºC, and the molding resin that molds the power devices requires an even higher thermal resistance to spread in the market. Our All-SiC module maximizes the performance of SiC devices, and we have confirmed that the module can operate continuously at temperatures of 200ºC or higher through the use of a high thermal-resistant molding resin that is characterized by a longer thermal-resistant service life and improved tracking resistance.
Power conversion system has been increasingly required to exhibit compactness, low power dissipation and high reliability. Under these background, Fuji Electric developed the 7th-generation “X Series” IGBT module “Dual XT” (X Series Dual XT). The X Series Dual XT has reduced power dissipation through semiconductor chip characteristic enhancement, while also improving the package current-carrying capability through package structure enhancement. In addition, by improving the ΔTj power cycle capability and the heat resistance of the insulation-use silicone gel, the module achieves a junction temperature of Tjop=175ºC under continuous operation. It is also the industry’s first module in this package size that has a 1,200-V/800-A rating.
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7th-Generation “X Series” RC-IGBT Module for Industrial Applications
In recent years, IGBT modules have been increasingly required to be smaller in size while exhibiting lower loss and higher reliability. To meet the requirements, Fuji Electric has developed an industrial-use reverse conducting IGBT (RC-IGBT) module by using an RC-IGBT that integrates an IGBT and a free wheeling diode (FWD) on a single chip. Furthermore, the module greatly reduces loss and thermal resistance and enhances reliability through optimization based on our 7th-generation “X Series” technology. These technology innovations have achieved enhancements such as expansion of rated current, increased power density and miniaturization, all of which were impossible through the combination of conventional IGBT and FWD.
Fuji Electric has recently added products with current ratings of 20 and 30A to our 2nd-generation small IPM series to meet the needs of motor drive devices. Applying the 7th-generation IGBT chip technology as a base and optimizing the lifetime control and drift layer thickness of the FWD, we have significantly reduces the temperature rise while lowering noise and loss. We ran a temperature rise simulation of a package air conditioner that has a standard cooling capacity of 14kW at the maximum load, which are expected to be actual conditions. It showed 11ºC lower temperatures than the 1st-generation small IPM. It can therefore expand the allowable output current of the devices.
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Speed Enhancement for the 3rd-Generation Direct Liquid Cooling Power Modules for Automotive Applications with RC-IGBT
KOGE, Takuma; INOUE, Daisuke; ADACHI, Shinichiro
Fuji Electric has employed a thin reverse-conducting IGBT (RC-IGBT) in the development of a 3rd-generation direct liquid cooling module for automotive applications that is characterized by its high-speed packaging structure. By utilizing an RC-IGBT that integrates an IGBT and FWD on a single chip, the module achieves faster switching at turnon and turn-off. In addition, parasitic inductance has been decreased by 50% compared with conventional packages through use of the RC-IGBT and internal layout optimization. Furthermore, superimposed surge voltage has been reduced by adopting a packaging structure that equips all 3 phases with a PN terminal pair. These technologies have enabled the 3rd-generation module to reduce switching loss by 30% compared with 2nd-generation modules.
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Functionality Enhancement of 3rd-Generation Direct Liquid Cooling Power Modules for Automotive Applications Equipped with RC-IGBT
SATO, Kenichiro; ENOMOTO, Kazuo; NAGAUNE, Fumio
Fuji Electric has developed a 3rd-generation direct liquid cooling power module for automotive applications such as hybrid and electric vehicles. Power modules for automotive applications are required to be compact and exhibit low power loss. We have improved heat dissipation performance of the module by using an aluminum water jacket that combines the liquid cooling fins with cover as well as refrigerant inlet and outlet ports with a flange structure. In addition, employing a reverse conducting IGBT (RC-IGBT) that integrates an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) with free wheeling diode (FWD) enables the power module with the same active area to reduce power loss by 20%. As a result, the power module has achieved a lower loss and a smaller size.
In recent years, electronic control has been advancing in automotive electrical systems based on the keywords of safety, environment, and energy savings. In addition to these keywords, semiconductor products are also required to be compact and highly reliable. Fuji Electric has developed the high-side 2-in-1 intelligent power switch (IPS) “F5114H” for automotive applications to achieve even greater device miniaturization. Fuji Electric has equipped the SSOP-12 package, which has the same external dimensions as the SOP-8 package, with 2 chips that have the same functionality as previous products, allowing for 2 channels on the same mounting area as the previous one channel products. It also utilizes a highly reliable wire that can be used in high temperature environments. These enhancements have made it possible to greatly reduce ECU size.
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2nd-Generation SJ-MOSFET for Automotive Applications “Super J MOS S2A Series”
There has been increasing demand for smaller power conversion equipment and better fuel efficiency in ecofriendly vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles. Accordingly, power MOSFET products are being required to be compact, low loss and low noise. Fuji Electric has developed and launched the “Super J MOS S1A Series,” a product for automotive applications that adopt a superjunction structure characterized by their low on-state resistance and low switching loss. More recently, Fuji Electric has developed the 2nd-Generation SJ-MOSFET for automotive applications “Super J MOS S1A Series,” which reduces conduction loss while improving the trade-off between switching loss and jumping voltage during turn-off switching. The use of this product contributes to size reduction and enhanced efficiency of the power conversion equipment for automotive applications.
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Critical Mode PFC Control IC “FA1A60N” and LLC Current Resonant Control IC “FA6B20N” for High-Efficiency Power Supplies
SONOBE, Koji; YAGUCHI, Yukihiro; HOJO, Kota
For the relatively large capacity switching power supplies for electronic equipment, a power factor correction (PFC) circuit is required to suppress harmonic current, and a LLC current resonant circuit is also widely used due to the effectiveness in low noise applications. Fuji Electric has developed the critical mode PFC control IC “FA1A60N” and LLC current resonant control IC “FA6B20N” adding new functionality while using our conventional technology. Using these ICs in combination allows power supply systems to improve the efficiency during light loads, achieve low standby power, and reduce the system cost by reducing the number of power supply components. Furthermore, as an enhancement over previous products, these ICs can be used in power supply adapters.
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2nd-Generation Low Loss SJ-MOSFET with Built-In Fast Diode “Super J MOS S2FD Series”
In order to make efficient use of energy, there has been increasing demand for enhanced efficiency in power conversion equipment, and as such, the power MOSFET mounted on this equipment are required to be compact, low loss and low noise. Fuji Electric has been developing and manufacturing products that have reduced on-state resistance and improved trade-off between turn-off switching loss and surge voltage. We have recently developed the 2nd-generation low loss SJ-MOSFET “Super J MOS S2FD Series,” which features user-friendliness and low loss, by improving its reverse recovery withstand capability through a built-in fast diode. The use of this product is expected to improve the efficiency of power conversion equipment and facilitate product miniaturization.
A long standing customer that tested several competitors’ products over a decade ago, chose a Fuji Electric product that not only meets their application criteria, but exceeded their expectations regarding: performance, quality and reliability for their commercial mixer product lines.
As their standard of choice, our AC Drives continue to surpass expectations as our product models offer the versatility and flexibility required for any demanding environment. Fuji Electric AC Drives prove to be technically superior compared to other products offered in the market. Our compact design, 3-year warranty, and exceptional torque features is ideal for many recipe requirements that make Fuji Electric their sole supplier for all of their AC drives needs.
Our products are designed to operate in 50 deg C ambient under full load conditions with no derating factor. The VFDs also maintains a UL rating under single phase power input. Fuji Electric’s ECO-DY model has a standard feature of a simultaneous control of Pump pressure and water table level control. This feature will control a pump’s output pressure and automatically switch to water table level control when the level sensor goes below an adjustable threshold. This prevents costly dry run damage to the submersible pump.
Fuji Electric VFDs are designed to handle harsh outdoor conditions needed for Agriculture Irrigation control. For this case, the ECO-DY model achieves the control by switching between two PID loops. Throughout this process, the first loop, PID1, will control the output pipe pressure. The second loop, PID2, controls the water table level. There is a sensor threshold and time that controls the switching between PID1 or PID2. One of the PID sensors will need to be a 0-10v signal and the second will need to be a 4-20ma input.
Fuji Electric VFDs are a tough, rugged and designed to operate in the harsh conditions of the oil field. Our VFDs are used in thousands of Oil field pump jack applications. For this Oil Field application, they run in 50 deg C ambient at full power without derating.
In this application, our VFDs provided the standard capability to overcome the regeneration portion of the pump jack cycle without needing braking resistors. Our VFD accurately senses the regenerative energy created by the beam pump and precisely increases the speed to eliminate the need for a braking resistor.
Peter Pugger is the world’s leading manufacturer of mixing extruders (pugmills). With the growing demand to mix and extrude new and innovative products, Peter Pugger machines require versatility and efficiency as it relates to motor control, speed control, soft start/stop and remote capability. The utilization of Fuji Electric's FRENIC-Mini and FRENIC-ACE drives has allowed their systems to maintain product quality, durability and performance. The durability of our Fuji Electric drives and the three-year warranty has established our drives as the drive of choice for all of our units. With thousands of machines worldwide, Fuji Electric’s dependability has played a key role in their success.
H2O Technologies is a high quality, highly innovative OEM Control Panels fabricator that specializes in the engineering, designing and building of Bypass Control Panels for hydraulic pump related industries that construct fountains, waterfalls and municipal pools. Fuji Electric’s FRENIC -Eco and EcoPAK Bypass Panels quickly became H2OTechnologies’ exclusive offering due to its high quality, product adaptability, and superb technical & support staff. “We have discovered a hidden gem working with Fuji Electric; it’s their ability to take us back to better days, when there was less bureaucracy, where management decisions and issues resolution were local and only a phone call away. That is a “game-changer” that sets them far apart from almost every other large organization”, exclaims Greg Sills, PPX Central’s President & CEO.
Fuji Regenerative Blowers are used to provide Air agitation for Plating, Cleaning and Rinse Tanks. They can provide high amounts of air at low pressures. They offer the advantages of clean, oil-free air that does not deliver any contaminants to foul or spoil the tank fluid. Fuji Regenerative Blowers offer a form of agitation without any moving parts in the bath. Blowers require no lubrication and that means no contaminated chemical baths. Fuji Blowers are dependable and reliable devices with no wearing, rubbing or sliding components.
Fuji Electric Power Semiconductors are used in Wind Turbines of major Wind Turbine Manufacturers. The PrimePACK™ 3+ improves power conversion efficiency to reduce power loss and increase output power. Amid the beautiful and expansive natural landscape of northern Denmark, you can see lines of wind turbines. These wind turbines use our large-capacity IGBT module PrimePACK™ 3+. In this wind power generation, the force of wind spins the blades of the wind turbine, which in turn rotates the generator to generate electricity. In order to feed this electricity into transmission lines, the voltage and frequency must be changed, and that power conversion is where our power semiconductors play a vital role.
Fuji Electric VFDs are designed to handle harsh outdoor conditions needed to run Electric Submersible pumps (ESPs) in the Oil Field. They operate in 50 deg C ambient under full load conditions with no derating factor. VFDs also maintain a UL rating under single phase power input.
For ESPs, Fuji Electric’s FRENIC-Mega is packaged in a Nema 3R enclosure along with a sine wave filter that feeds a step up transformer to create the high voltage needed for the special ESP motor. The ESP motor is sometimes thousands of feet down in the well bore. Some ESP motors are induction style while others are permanent magnet style. The Fuji Electric FRENIC-Mega works on both types of ESPs. Fuji Electric's VFD has a special feature that allows motor base voltage at speed to be adjusted while monitoring current for maximum operating efficiency thus saving valuable electrical power operation costs.
Significant levels of refrigerants and heating are needed to slow down spoilage and maintain preharvest freshness and flavor of ripe fruit and vegetables. Fuji Electric Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) make it possible to quickly provide the necessary cooling or heating to maintain a uniform temperature, humidity, air-circulation or fresh air requirements in cold storage while at the same time the energy consumption is reduced to a minimum. In standard system designs, electric motors are intended to operate at a fixed speed. This speed is determined by the frequency of the power supply and the motor design (number of poles).
The shaft load on the motor is determined by the product of shaft speed and torque. With a fixed speed, motor power is determined by the torque of the load. With a change in speed the motor load will not only benefit from the speed reduction, but also any reduction in torque with speed. Two types of motor load exist; constant torque and variable torque.
VFDs give better control and more efficiency for compressors, fans and pumps:
VFD speed control will reduce the power penalty associated with slide valve, poppet valve or throttling capacity control. On compressors with no capacity control speed control will eliminate other poor control strategies.
VFD speed control provides dramatic fan power reductions at reduced speed. This also translates into reduced motor heat loads in refrigerated spaces.
VFD speed control provides dramatic fan power saving relative to fan cycling
For maintenance of AC Drives, it is best to institute a schedule of routine maintenance which includes cleaning of the drives and their heatsinks. This prevents overheating and also prevents other debris from being lodged inside the drive!
Scheduling a Freight Pick Up
A customer was given incorrect information for scheduling a freight pick up and the terms for shipping the item. The shipment was delayed and stuck in a freight branch location. This led our team to coordinate communications between several stakeholders (Customer, Logistics Company, End User, and the freight company shipping the order). Information had to be confirmed for accuracy and ease of understanding to avoid confusion or delays. Our team at Fuji Electric was able to keep the customer informed of status regularly and get the info needed in order to resolve the issue and get the order completed.
Meeting Production Schedules
Due to material challenges, in order to meet our customer's production schedule, our team members participate in weekly meetings, provide status and shipping updates, and facilitate direct shipments from our factories. It requires daily attention and time management skills to keep track of multiple avenues to achieve delivery. However, there is a great sense of satisfaction knowing we are part of a team doing everything possible to meet their expectations!
Critical Need of Our Parts
An auto supplier was in critical need of parts or they go line down. Our team called members from Fuji Electric Japan's shipping team and got them to move an ocean orders to air drop ship to customer. No lost downtime!
Did you also know Fuji Electric Corp. of America (FECOA) was established in 1970? Fuji Electric Corp. of America is happy to celebrate over 50 years in the United States! Fuji Electric now aims to become a leading-edge company in “energy and the environment” by building upon our core platform of five technology fields which unlock the potential of electricity—energy, industrial systems, social systems, power electronics, and electronic devices.
Industrial Laundry Solutions
Fuji Electric’s FRENIC-Ace model, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are commonly used in commercial laundry equipment for their ability to control the speed of electric motors. In the context of commercial laundry, VFDs are often employed in various machines and systems to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and provide better control over operations. Here are some ways VFDs are utilized in commercial laundry equipment.
Motor Control: Can regulate the speed of electric motors in washers, dryers, extractors, and other laundry equipment. By adjusting the motor speed according to the load and operational requirements, VFDs help optimize energy consumption and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
Energy Efficiency: Enable soft starts and stops, reducing the energy demand during motor acceleration. They also allow for precise control of motor speed, preventing unnecessary energy consumption when full speed is not required. This contributes to energy savings and overall operational efficiency.
Customized Washing Cycles: In laundry equipment, different fabrics and loads may require varying levels of agitation, spin speed, or drying time. VFDs provide the flexibility to customize washing cycles by adjusting motor speeds, ensuring that each load is treated appropriately.
Load Balancing: Used to balance loads in commercial laundry systems. In situations where multiple machines are connected to a common power supply, VFDs help distribute the load evenly, preventing overloads and optimizing the use of available power.
Maintenance Benefits: By controlling motor speed and providing real-time performance data, VFDs can contribute to predictive maintenance strategies. Monitoring motor parameters allows for early detection of issues, reducing downtime and preventing costly equipment failures.
Environmental Compliance: The ability of VFDs to control motor speed based on demand aligns with energy efficiency requirements and environmental regulations. Using VFDs in commercial laundry equipment helps businesses meet sustainability goals and adhere to energy efficiency standards.
In summary, Variable Frequency Drives play a crucial role in enhancing the performance, energy efficiency, and operational flexibility of commercial laundry equipment. They contribute to cost savings, reduce environmental impact, and improve the overall reliability of laundry systems.