Novel switched capacitor boosting inverter for PV usage
Researchers have designed a new switched-capacitor-based multilevel inverter topology with nine switches. They have tested it in simulations and in hardware-in-the-loop tests. Efficiency reached up to 96.5%.
Wireless EV charging based on PV, three-port DC–DC converter
Scientists have developed a wireless charging system for electric vehicles, with a three-port DC–DC converter at its core. They have simulated the system and tested a prototype in their lab and have found it achieved an improved efficiency of 88%.
Photovoltaics for cargo ships
Wattlab has installed a PV system capable of delivering up to 35 kW to a cargo ship’s high-voltage propulsion system, allowing it to temporarily replace one of four diesel generators under optimal conditions.
CATL lawsuit threatens Hithium IPO
China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has filed a lawsuit accusing fast-growing rival Hithium of unfair competition – a move that could jeopardize Hithium’s upcoming initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong.
In a world of low-cost batteries, performance matters
Oversupply of lithium-ion battery precursor and active materials – and of lithium iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, especially in China – has driven energy storage system costs down, fueling a record 330 GWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) shipments in 2024. Edward Rackley, head of the energy storage team at Business intelligence specialist CRU, shares his analysis.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Fox ESS, Gold Electronics plan IPOs in Shenzhen
The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) has approved a plan by Fox ESS to raise more than CNY 1.6 billion ($223 million) through a share sale, while Hangzhou Gold Electronics has secured clearance to seek up to CNY 850 million for its battery management system (BMS) business.
New research confirms residential PV tends to increase household power consumption
New Swiss research shows PV-powered homes can increase power consumption by up to 11% compared to non-solar households. This rise is linked to electric vehicle adoption or other high-usage appliances, which the study’s author notes is not inherently negative or wasteful.
H3 Dynamics, XSun partner on solar, hydrogen, electric unmanned aerial systems
France-based Xsun and H3 Dynamics announced a collaboration to develop a solar, hydrogen and battery powered autonomous aerial system with integrated power management and able to navigate at low altitudes.
EV charging shapes PV investment, grid load in community study
Researchers in Spain have simulated an energy community with varying electric-vehicle penetration levels (0%, 50%, and 100%) to analyze system optimization under different regulatory frameworks and EV brands. Charging strategies significantly affected overall performance and outcomes.
Spanish lab develops sodium-ion cell with sustainable materials
Spain’s Instituto Tecnológico de la Energía (ITE) has built a prototype sodium-ion battery cell using high-potential materials and a sustainable polymer-based separator, as part of the SOSBAT project to develop alternatives to lithium-ion storage.
