Ferrite Cores for Empowering Solar Inverters

Solar Inverters are the future of power generation when sustainable living & eco-friendly choices have already become the need of the hour. They are prominent in supplying electricity to consumers and industries. Over the years, these inverters have evolved to provide maximum power to the homeowners from their PV systems. Ferrite cores are essential components used extensively in solar inverters for power conversion from source generation to mains power. 

This blog will talk about how ferrite cores are empowering the solar inverters to serve the growing needs for renewable energy.

Purpose of Solar Inverters 

Solar inverters are used to convert Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC). They are connected to one or more solar panels to convert the energy and generate maximum power in a safe & efficient manner. The inverters can also operate in high switching frequencies. 

Ferrite cores with high frequency, high saturation, & high impedance are preferred for these inverters. For example, toroidal cores, large E cores & RM Cores. 

Product Requirements for Solar Inverters

• Efficiency & Reliability: While designing solar inverters, you must choose ferrite cores that are efficient & reliable to ensure a good performance for your solar energy systems. 

• Customised & Flexible designs: The cores must be customizable and flexible to mould them as per the requirements. 

• Cost-Effective & Better Performance: You must find cores that are cost-efficient & ensure better performance when used in solar applications.

Use of Ferrites in the Main Stages of Solar Energy Conversion 

• DC/DC Converter

DC/DC Converter boosts the voltage of solar panels to a certain level to allow the inverter unit to generate AC mains voltage. It offers the benefits of high saturation & low losses over a variety of temperature ranges. Commonly large E Cores & RM Cores of CF292 or CF295 material are preferred. 

• Inverter 

The Inverter works as an inductive reactor to convert DC power into AC power. It helps smoothen the waves generated by switching at a high frequency. Ferrite cores with a high saturation are the right solution for this. Commonly large E Cores of CF292 material are preferred. 

• EMI Filter

A common mode choke works like a filter to eliminate the noise present between line and wire to allow a clean signal to pass through. The choke has a compensated magnetic circuit with primary & secondary windings. 

Commonly Toroidal Cores (Ring Cores) of CF199 high permeability material are preferred. Toroids of up to 42 mm diameter are used for domestic purposes, while large toroids are suitable for high power systems. 

• MPPT 

MPPT is used in charge controllers to extract power from a PV module under specific conditions. The voltage level at which the PV module produces the highest power voltage is known as the maximum power point. 

However, the power varies depending on the temperature, solar radiation, and solar cell temperature. Now, the input & output current has to be measured appropriately. 

Hall effect current sensors with gapped ferrite cores helps to measure the current accurately. With the use of a bias coil and a compensation coil, they are able to avoid thermal drifts and ensure linearity in current measurement. Commonly gapped Toroidal Cores & UU Cores are preferred.

Conclusion

Cosmo Ferrites manufactures ferrite cores in different shapes & materials to serve the renewable energy requirements. By designing efficient, reliable & customizable cores, we are contributing to the development of powerful solar inverters. Contact us to have an optimum ferrite cores selection for your solar energy systems.