Hillcrest Energy Technologies (CSE:HEAT, OTCQB:HLRTF) Ltd has published its first technical white paper discussing its silicon carbide inverter technology.
In the paper, Hillcrest said that it has confirmed inverter efficiency of over 99% and significantly improved drivetrain system efficiency at switching frequencies up to 60 kHz.
Hillcrest said its inverter technology was evaluated through a proof-of-concept setup. Testing was conducted to validate the hypothesis that Hillcrest's traction inverter would materially eliminate inverter switching losses and improve motor efficiency in an electric vehicle powertrain, which would enable a reduced motor size and cooling requirements and increased power density.
READ: Hillcrest says its high-efficiency inverter allows ‘impressive’ improvement in electric motor efficiency
In an electric vehicle, this would result in more power, more payload capability and increased range, Hillcrest told investors.
The clean energy technology company began work on the technology in April 2021 through a strategic partnership with Systematec GmbH, as well as the acquisition of digital motor control IP and the addition of Ari Berger as Chief Technology Officer.
"The combination of Ari's proven ability to develop revolutionary digital motor control solutions and our strategic partnership with Systematec has allowed us to achieve proof of concept for our inverter in just seven months - considerably ahead of traditional start-up development timelines," said Hillcrest CEO Don Currie in a statement.
CTO Berger added that the efficiency and performance of these systems is becoming more important as the world transitions to the use of electric systems powered by clean power.
"Being able to increase switching frequencies without materially increasing losses allows us to improve overall system-level performance,” Berger said. “With the Hillcrest inverter, a system with high power density, lower cost and weight, and better power quality and performance can be realized."
Hillcrest said that the test results demonstrate Hillcrest's efficiency targets in an EV powertrain application, and are the first steps in the commercialization testing protocol.
Based on the early findings, a 250kW, 800V commercial prototype is on-track to be available for internal testing in the third quarter with delivery to customers in the fourth quarter of this year, the company added.
Vancouver-based Hillcrest is a clean technology company developing high value, high performance power conversion technologies and digital control systems for next-generation powertrains and grid-connected renewable energy systems.
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