Hillcrest Energy Technologies (CSE:HEAT, OTCQB:HLRTF) Ltd has pointed out that it is developing a high-efficiency power inverter that the company says can be an “unassuming power electronics hero” when it comes to electrifying and decarbonizing energy systems.
“Our clean-energy technologies specifically target efficiencies in electric machines and can be deployed to maximize performance across a wide variety of applications within the electric ecosystem, from electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems to grid-connected power generation,” Hillcrest CEO Don Currie said in a statement.
“In addition to scaling our in-house development and design capabilities, Hillcrest has initiated targeted discussions with strategic partners with the potential to scale with us.”
READ: Hillcrest Energy Technologies files patent application for simplified onboard EV charging solution
Hillcrest offers a single high-efficiency inverter architecture that can be applied at nearly every stage of the evolving electrification ecosystem, including renewable energy generation through the charging and operation of an EV to provide full-cycle efficiency and performance improvements, the company said.
Specifically, the Silicon Carbide (SiC) high-efficiency traction inverter technology converts the direct current (DC) output from the batteries into the alternating current (AC) input used by the motor. The expected benefits of Hillcrest’s traction inverter have been confirmed by testing and were shared in a technical white paper published in April, the company noted.
Additionally, Hillcrest previously filed a patent for an enhanced powertrain solution that it said offers the potential to simplify EV charging and redefine charging infrastructure.
“One of the most exciting benefits of the enhanced powertrain solution is the ability to eliminate the onboard charger and booster from an EV, as well as faster, anywhere charging including direct DC, wireless, and bidirectional charging across current and future power levels,” Currie said. “This will be a true game changer.”
Although EVs are Hillcrest’s first application for its inverter technology, the company noted that the global power inverter market is expected to reach US$95 billion by 2028, representing a compounded annual growth rate of more than 5%.
For example, an inverter can be deployed at a wind turbine generator to convert the AC output, with at least one additional inverter used to deliver the power to the grid/battery. For solar energy generation, an inverter can be used to convert the DC output from the photovoltaic panels into the AC power that flows to the grid/battery/home.
The potential value proposition and benefits include significant efficiency gains, better power quality and grid stability, lower stress on mechanical and electrical parts and improved thermal management, the company said.
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