The Global need for highly reliable and efficient Energy Sources that meet International Carbon Dioxide reduction targets is driving businesses to change their approach when developing systems. The ‘Old’ paradigm of a Tiered supply structure was not designed to encourage open innovation across the value chain, it was rather designed to minimize costs.

Dynex Semiconductors has developed a working collaboration model where customers can utilize their 60 years of specialist high power semiconductor knowledge, along with a vast array of design, prototyping, testing and in-house manufacturing services, to optimize system performance to meet the very highest efficiency and reliability targets and deliver a superior performance versus value system.

The future of renewable energy systems is highly dependent on the supply and advancements in high power semiconductors.  Semiconductors are key in converting the variable output from renewable energy systems into stable and efficient electricity that can be fed into the grid or stored in batteries. Devices like inverters, converters, and rectifiers, which rely on power semiconductors, manage this conversion process.

Several types of semiconductors are used in renewable energy technologies, each with unique properties that make them suitable for various applications like energy conversion, power management, and grid integration. These semiconductors play a critical role in improving the efficiency, performance, and reliability of renewable energy systems.

Bipolar thyristors and Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) are two important types of high-power semiconductor devices used in renewable energy technology. Both devices are critical in controlling and converting power, enabling efficient energy transfer from renewable sources to the grid or storage systems.

Bipolar thyristors have been used for decades in power electronics and are especially useful in high-power applications like wind energy and HVDC transmission. Thyristors help in converting alternating current (AC) from renewable sources into high-voltage direct current (HVDC) for transmission and back to AC for grid integration. The high power-handling capacity of thyristors makes them ideal for these high-voltage, high-current applications.

In wind turbines, thyristors are used in soft-start circuits to gradually bring the turbine generator up to speed, preventing large inrush currents that could damage the equipment. Thyristors are also used in power factor correction systems, which ensure that wind turbines deliver consistent and stable power to the grid.

Dynex Thyristors are designed to handle very high voltages and currents, making them suitable for large-scale renewable energy systems.

IGBTs are used extensively in modern renewable energy technologies, especially in systems that require efficient power conversion and control. They are central to solar inverters, which convert the DC power generated by solar panels into AC power for use in homes and feeding into the grid. The high switching speed and efficiency of IGBTs allow for minimal energy loss during conversion, increasing the overall efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Dynex has delivered their first IGBT based Hydrogen Electrolyser power supply unit. The power supply will be deployed to generate Hydrogen from a dedicated solar farm. The delivery of the power supply is the output of a year of development in enabling technology and capability by Dynex Power Assemblies Engineering team, who have developed the power electronics, control electronics, mechanical design and software.

As a manufacturer of semiconductors and power converters, Dynex is uniquely able to design power assemblies with tailored semiconductors, as well as benefiting from expert knowledge of wear out mechanisms and capability outside of the common operation. Using the latest IGBT AFE (Active Front End) technology our supplies are optimised in terms of efficiency, size, power factor correction and harmonic distortion. With a wealth of experience in designing power converters our team of application engineers are able to match and refine a power supply to meet the customers needs, whether that be DC ripple requirements, space limitations or differing incoming supply voltages.

All power supplies feature a Dynex designed controller that makes it easy to interface the electrolyser control system with our power supply. This gives constant status feedback to ensure the smooth and efficient running. With the production of hydrogen, safety is paramount, this is why our power supplies feature an MCCB on the input side that has a trip that can be customer controlled to instantly cut power in the case of an emergency shutdown. The HY-Power range is the perfect fit for all types of electrolysis, with power levels from 150kW up to 2MW. Our HY-Power range of active front end-based rectifiers are optimised in terms of reactive power, harmonics (THDi) and DC current ripple, with output voltages available from 50V to 2000V and current up to 20kA. They are designed for high efficiency, which is typically greater than 95% including the reactive components.

Fusion Energy

Fusion energy, with its promise of minimal environmental impact and abundant fuel supplies, represents one of the most exciting areas in the quest for sustainable, large-scale energy solutions.

In contrast to renewable energy sources, fusion energy is not reliant on inconsistent weather conditions. Fusion reactors have the potential to generate large amounts of energy using a relatively small physical footprint relative to solar and wind farms, which require significantly large land areas.

Continued research and technological breakthroughs aim to overcome challenges to make fusion a viable and sustainable source of energy for the future. Dynex has the capabilities and expertise to be part of this development with the supply of our controlled rectifiers and customised pulse power thyristors designed to meet specific needs and applications. 

Semiconductor devices are crucial in fusion applications for controlling and converting power needed in systems like magnetic confinement, plasma heating, and diagnostics. Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs), thyristors, and diodes handle high voltages and currents for power conversion, switching, and control.

Dynex has full control of the design and manufacture of our semiconductors, so we are able to work collaboratively with researchers to optimise our devices to suit their application and support their research. Our Power Assemblies department can corroborate in the design of the whole mechanical arrangement for converters, providing an electrical, mechanical and thermal design service.

Controlled rectifiers in Fusion Technology

Controlled rectifiers are an important component in the field of power electronics, especially when it comes to applications like fusion energy. They are used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and allow for the control of the output voltage by adjusting the firing angle of thyristors.

In the context of fusion energy, controlled rectifiers can be employed in various subsystems of a fusion reactor, such as in the power supplies that manage plasma heating and in the systems that control the magnetic fields used to confine the plasma. The ability to adjust the DC output is essential for precise control over the plasma conditions, which is a critical aspect of maintaining a stable fusion reaction.

Pulse Power Thyristors used in fusion energy research

Pulse power thyristors are electronic components used to control and switch high-power pulses in various applications, including the power supply systems for large fusion devices. These high-power thyristor devices contribute to the safe and efficient operation of fusion reactors.

Additionally, power electronic designs, including fast switching power electronics and air-cooled rectifier assemblies, are integral to supporting fusion energy research. These components are used to control electric fields and stabilize the plasma within tokamak designs. Pulse Power Thyristors were specifically designed for laboratory experiments and are now being utilized to support fusion energy research efforts.

Dynex has provided converter designs to support Fusion Energy research efforts around the globe. Our vertically integrated supply chain enables us to understand our semiconductors and their performance, as well as tailor our devices to the specific requirements of the application.

In every scenario Dynex supports and collaborates with our customers to meet their expectations and deliver an outstanding service.