1.6kW, GaN Based Bidirectional Micro Inverter Reference Design TIDA-010933

The growing emphasis on energy sustainability and security is driving the demand for renewable energy sources, particularly solar power and energy storage systems. For residential applications, microinverters offer an appealing balance of cost, efficiency, and easy installation for users. However, traditional microinverters face challenges when integrating energy storage systems due to the absence of a bidirectional converter. This reference design presents a viable solution: a 4-channel microinverter that supports fully bidirectional power flow, effectively combining photovoltaic (PV) input with a 48-V battery energy storage system (BESS).

This reference design features a 1.6 kW single-phase bidirectional micro inverter with four channels, utilizing GaN technology. Each channel supports up to 60 V and ±14 A on the DC side, making it compatible with both photovoltaic (PV) panels and 48-V Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). On the high-voltage side, it connects to a single-phase AC grid. The design includes isolation between the low-voltage and high-voltage sides through a bidirectional fixed-frequency CLLLC (capacitor-inductor-inductor-inductor-capacitor) converter. The control algorithm is executed using a C2000™ microcontroller.

Features

• Four channels for PV or 48-V battery energy storage system (BESS) connection
• High power density, up to 1 kW/L
• Bidirectional power flow capable and reactive power compensation
• Digital control implemented in single controller: TMS320F280039C
• Industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C)

The design contains three main stages:

• PV or Battery input with DC/DC converter with individual Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) functionality
• Isolated Capacitor-Inductor-Inductor-Inductor-Capacitor (CLLLC) converter
• Totem-pole DC/AC converter

The board is mounted above an aluminum heat sink which is connected by means of thermal interface materials to the GaN FETs. The design is supposed to work in static cooling condition and the the board size is 28mm × 200 mm × 200 mm. Overall system dimension is 40 mm × 200 mm × 200 mm, thus leading to a volume of 1.6liter. The calculated power density is equal to 1 kW/liter.

Key System Specifications

PARAMETER	SPECIFICATION
Input DC voltage range	30 V to 60 V
Maximum input DC current	14 A
DC/DC Boost converter switching frequency	250 kHz
Number of input channels	4
CLLLC switching frequency	400 kHz
Nominal output DC voltage	400 V
Maximum output DC current	4 A
Nominal Output AC voltage	230 VAC (available 120-VAC operation)
Output AC current	7 A
DC/AC stage switching frequency	125 kHz

For more informations about bidirectional micro inverter based on GaN reference design TIDA-010933 check PDF file bellow:

For even more informations about reference design TIDA-010933 with complete schematic and design files visit official design page: Texas Instruments