GOLETA, Calif. — Transphorm Inc., along with solar energy innovator Inergy and design partner Telcodium Inc., announced that the upcoming Inergy Kodiak Extreme uses high-voltage GaN to reimagine what’s possible with portable power generators.
The soon-to-be-released Kodiak Extreme utilizes a photovoltaic (PV) inverter and battery charger both integrating Transphorm’s JEDEC-qualified GaN platform. These power systems result in a generator that is more powerful, lighter, and quicker to charge than competitive products. And, given that GaN semiconductors run cooler than similar Silicon (Si) devices, the Kodiak Extreme does not require an internal cooling fan—allowing Inergy to develop one of the first truly water-resistant and dustproof solar power generators for consumers.
GaN Benefits Realized
The Kodiak Extreme has a 110/120 Vac 2 kW output. The generator targets consumers and professionals [construction, emergency services, industrial, etc.] by providing reliable off-grid AC power. The solar generator’s PV inverter and battery converter use Transphorm’s TP65H050WS 50 mΩ TO-247 FET and TPH3206LDGB 150mΩ PQFN device respectively. They serve as close replacements for the Si IGBTs and MOSFETs used in prior Kodiak models given their standard packaging, which makes them easy to design in and heatsink.
Transphorm’s high-quality, high-reliability GaN semiconductors can increase power density up to 40 percent and decrease heat losses through traditional heat sinking methods while switching 2x to 3x faster than Si transistors. The Gen III devices also offer ±20 V gate robustness and a 4 V threshold, decreasing the need for additional circuitry and controls to ensure reliability.
The Kodiak Extreme demonstrates these advantages when compared to competitive products currently available:
· 33 percent more power output
· Minimum 98 percent inverter efficiency from light load to full load
· Charges over 4 times faster
· Fanless for harsh environments
· Roughly half the weight
Transphorm
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