Page 8 - EE Times Europe Magazine – June 2024

8 EE|Times EUROPE

Unlocking Efficiency: Exploring the Advantages of Heat Pumps

Figure 3: Outdoor and indoor heat-pump units

Advantages of WBG semiconductors over IGBTs in heat pumps and allow for remote monitoring and automation. Connectivity to the
include: smart home and the internet will play a crucial role in enabling the
· Higher efficiency: WBG devices have lower switching losses energy transition. This enhances efficiency by enabling users to control
and can operate at higher frequencies than traditional silicon-based their heating and cooling systems remotely and make adjustments
devices. This leads to greater overall efficiency, reducing energy con- based on weather conditions or occupancy.
sumption and operational costs.
· Higher-temperature operation: SiC and GaN devices can operate Heat pumps represent a significant step
at much higher temperatures than silicon devices. This allows for more
compact heat management systems and can reduce cooling require- forward in the quest for energy-efficient
ments for power electronics in heat pumps.
· Smaller size and weight: Higher switching frequencies allow for heating and cooling solutions.
smaller inductors and capacitors, which can reduce the overall size and
weight of the heat-pump system. This feature is particularly beneficial
for compact installations or portable heat-pump applications. CONCLUSION
· Greater reliability and durability: WBG devices generally exhibit Heat pumps represent a significant step forward in the quest for
greater reliability because of their high thermal conductivity and energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions. Their versatility, energy
durability at elevated temperatures. This leads to longer lifespans and efficiency and environmental benefits make them an attractive choice
reduced maintenance costs. for a wide range of applications. As technology advances and compa-
nies continue to innovate, heat pumps are prepared to play a central
HEAT PUMPS IN ACTION: COMPANY SOLUTIONS role in reducing energy consumption and combating climate change.
Heat pumps can be customized and tailored to specific needs, from Whether in residential, commercial or industrial settings, heat pumps
residential units designed for single-family homes to large-scale sys- offer a compelling solution for a sustainable future.
tems for commercial buildings and industrial complexes. This flexibility Arrow Electronics has always been centered on promoting energy
ensures that heat pumps can be deployed in various settings. They also efficiency, and we are eager to contribute to this discussion by offering
work well with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. The a comprehensive portfolio for single- and three-phase solutions across
integrated systems that combine heat pumps with solar panels or wind all power classes, making it easy to select the most suitable solution
turbines can further reduce energy costs and environmental impact. for heat-pump systems. A wide product portfolio of SiC power devices,
Modern heat pumps are equipped with smart technology and con- IGBTs, gate driver ICs, intelligent power modules, motor controllers
nected to smart homes that can be easily controlled via a touchscreen and reference design boards can be found at Arrow.com. ■

JUNE 2024 | www.eetimes.eu