Fraunhofer-GesellschaftDevelopment of a current inverter concept for the conversion of photovoltaic energy with a world-record efficiency of 99 percent
Dr.-Ing. Heribert Schmidt (Fraunhofer Institute Solar Energy Systems ISE)
In the longer term, the sun is to be the source of a substantial part of our electricity supply. An important step in making photovoltaic systems commercially viable is to increase the efficiency of all the components needed in the production of solar energy.
Grid-connected solar energy systems require an inverter to convert the DC electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels into AC electricity so it can be fed into the power supply system. This conversion gives rise to electrical losses. Dr. Schmidt Fraunhofer Institute Solar Energy Systems ISE has developed a new inverter circuit. His HERIC® topology reduces losses by half, achieving a world-record inverter efficiency of more than 99 percent. Increased efficiency means higher performance, less waste heat, smaller heat sinks, greater reliability and a longer life-span for systems. The technology is patented in the USA and Europe and is being successfully marketed world-wide.