PowiGaN in a Solar Race Car - The Team αCentauri Story
An PowiGaN-based InnoSwitch3-EP switcher IC allows the design of a compact DC-DC converter, providing 20 W to 50 W output for a solar race car's 12 V subsystems. It averages 95.7% efficiency from 30% to 70% load at 120 VDC input.
Aaron Griesser, electronics lead and driver of αCentauri Solar Racing, recalls how the team's partnership with Power Integrations came about. The high efficiency and reliability of the PowiGaN device contributed greatly to the team's successful debut at the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, where it became one of only 12 solar cars to finish the 3,028 km race from Darwin to Adelaide.
See the DC-DC converter design used in the solar race car - DER-1029- 50 W Power Supply using InnoSwitch3-EP (750 V PowiGaN)
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