Using silicon-carbide (SiC) power electronics from STMicroelectronics has enabled the creation of ZapCharger Portable, the smallest, smartest, and safest electric-car charging station from Zaptec, a start-up company that has revolutionized the transformer industry.
The ZapCharger portable electric-car charger features a built-in electronic transformer that works with any electric car on any grid. Excellent power-conversion capabilities of ST’s SiC MOSFET devices have enabled Zaptec engineers to design a portable, yet powerful piece of equipment. Ten times smaller and lighter than products with the comparable performance, the 3 kg, 45 x 10 x 10-cm charger delivers an energy efficiency of 97%.
The water- and weather-proof ZapCharger is galvanically insulated and continuously monitors the grid to which it is connected. It dynamically adjusts the amount of power it delivers and can shut down immediately if it detects a fault, to protect the car. The charger offers GPRS connectivity and operates over an extended temperature range from -40° to +55°C.
The ZapCharger has 32 high-voltage SiC Power MOSFETs from ST that deliver power conversion with minimum losses. Compared with traditional (silicon) solutions, these components can sustain much higher voltages, currents, and temperatures, and their power-conversion circuits operate faster, enabling smaller, lighter designs, higher system efficiency, and reduced cooling requirements.
“The key for us was to find a power technology with a very high efficiency so we could reduce the overall size of the charger without compromising performance. ST’s silicon-carbide offering was the perfect match,” said Jonas Helmikstøl, COO, Zaptec. “The support of ST as a strong and reliable partner helped us transform our invention into a product that dramatically changes the user experience and by allowing consumers to take their chargers anywhere eliminates ‘range anxiety” and can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.”
“Leveraging the exceptional efficiency of ST SiC Power MOSFETs, ingenious solutions like ZapCharger that can enable drivers to safely charge their vehicles anywhere are set to catalyze the growth of the e-car market and the smart-energy ecosystem as a whole,” said Philip Lolies, EMEA Vice President, Marketing & Application, STMicroelectronics. “Zaptec’s decision to rely on our advanced power technology confirms ST’s industry leadership and enabling role in the global trend towards Greener and Smarter Living.”
In addition to electric-car charging, Zaptec’s patented, electronic-transformer technology targets new applications in Industrial, Marine, and Space. After successful field tests, ZapCharger is starting pilot production now, with volume ramp-up scheduled at the end of Q3 2016.
For further information on ST’s portfolio of SiC MOSFETs refer to www.st.com/sicmos
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