Miniaturised "Low Profile" module integrated converter for photovoltaic applications with integrated magnetic components

Abstract

This paper deals with reliability aspects of module integrated power converters (MIC) for grid-connected photovoltaic power applications. The presented "low profile design" of a MIC has almost twice the power density and a 70% longer lifetime than commercially available MICs. In order to miniaturise and increase the reliability of the MIC, all magnetic components have been realised using planar cores and windings integrated into the PCB. Additionally, the power converter's resonant inductor has been integrated into the transformer by using the leakage inductance as the inductor. The leakage inductance of planar transformers with integrated windings can be adjusted very precisely.