The flying capacitor topology is a multilevel topology, that is an interesting choice especially for (but not limited to) the booster stage of a solar inverter. TDK technical note compares benefits of its CeraLink® anti-ferroelectric dielectric ceramic capacitors versus film capacitors in an example of solar inverters.
One of the well-established key requirements in solar inverters is their high efficiency. But also, their costs, size and weight are subject to continuous improvements. One approach to better fulfil all these demanding requirements simultaneously is the use of multilevel topologies. The main advantages of switching between multiple voltage levels are lower voltage stress for the semiconductors and lower ripple stress for the power chokes.
This means that lower-voltage semiconductors can be used, which are typically cheaper. Lower ripple stress for the chokes makes smaller and thereby lighter and cheaper choke designs possible. The flying capacitor topology is a multilevel topology, that is an interesting choice especially for (but not limited to) the booster stage of a solar inverter. As its name implies, it needs a capacitor as a key element.
Introduction
In a flying capacitor multi-level converter, additional (intermediate) voltage levels (beyond the two levels naturally given by the DC link) are generated using additional capacitors.
These capacitors can float to different electric potentials depending on the switching state of the semiconductor switching structure connected to them. Therefore, they are called “flying capacitors”. Once when charged to the right voltage (e.g. half the DC link voltage), they act as a kind of “voltage sources” for the duration of the next half switching cycle, thus providing additional voltage levels.
As these capacitors are exposed to high ripple currents and switching frequencies by this modus operandi while they must maintain a certain voltage, it is important to carefully select the right components for this demanding application. In the following, we will consider some design examples and component proposals for them.
Application conditions
Throughout we assume ΔUFC = 80 Vpp as upper limit for the ripple voltage on the flying capacitor, a switching frequency of fSW = 16 kHz and a maximum peak current of Ipeak = 60A.
Therefore, the required capacitance of the flying capacitor is CFC = 24µF which can be calculated via equation. (Reference: Vincotech Technical paper “The Advantage and Operation of Flying-Capacitor Boosters”)
The ambient temperature shall be 60 °C, where it is assumed that the heating from the power modules will influence the flying capacitor not significantly. The generated heat is dissipated mainly via the PCB, where an additional smaller fraction is dissipated also through natural convection into the non-moving air. Different capacitor technologies can be considered for this application, where in the following we will have a deeper lock into TDKs film capacitor and CeraLink® ceramic capacitor technology.
Film Capacitors for PCB Mounting
TDK offers a diverse variety of film capacitors voltage and capacitance range for main costumer needs in DC-link operation. Mechanical construction varies from 2 to 4 pins and different lead space options enhance also some electrical properties as low self-inductance and high resonance frequency. With series focused on energy density, ripple current, ambient temperatures up to 125°C, and humidity protection. In addition to long life expectancy (> 100k hours) and capacitance values stability, such features are an excellent design option for the high frequency switching application. For capacitor selection, modelling data and application simulation please check our CLARA (Capacitor Life And Rating Application) website.
CeraLink® Capacitors
CeraLink® is a family of very compact ceramic capacitors for stabilizing voltages in the DC link or for use in snubber applications. These products are based on a newly patented antiferroelectric ceramic technology whose material exhibits increasing capacitance with increasing voltage. CeraLink® is designed to provide engineers with compact components, optimized for fast switching converters (e.g. SiC/GaN), converters with very tight space requirements and converters that need to withstand high operating temperatures of up to 150 °C.
It is important to note that the capacitance behaviour of CeraLink® is non-linear and optimized for operation under DC-Bias and elevated ambient temperature, see our Technical Guide or our Simulation Toolbox for further details. Given a DC-Bias level of 600 VDC and a super-imposed ripple voltage of 80 Vpp a CeraLink® FA10 700V type can be considered which offers an effective capacitance of typically 4 µF in the temperature range of 25-60 °C.
Comparison of Film Capacitors and CeraLink® Capacitors
In the following table, we compare the geometrical and electrical properties of the two considered capacitor solutions. If there are no space limitations, the film solution has more benefits in terms of costs and number of components as one or few pieces can handle the electrical requirements, whereas CeraLink® could be an option if total height of the solution is crucial or through-hole technology is not possible. Furthermore, CeraLink® also shows clear advantages if higher current capability is required and/or if switching frequency is increased.
Conclusion
The flying-capacitor booster is a high-efficient, low cost solution for solar inverter applications. The main advantages are the frequency multiplication, the lower semiconductor voltage, the lower voltage and current ripple, the lower switching losses, and the low EMI emission.
More capacitor technologies are available to meet the requirements. This note aimed to provide some selection guide tips to decide between film capacitor and ceramic CeraLink® capacitor solutions.