Why Silicon Carbide (SiC) Is Transforming the Future of UPS Systems
As businesses continue to demand cleaner, smarter, and more reliable power, the technology behind Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems is undergoing a quiet revolution. For years, silicon-based Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) technology has been the backbone of UPS design, providing dependable protection across countless industries. Now, a new material, Silicon Carbide (SiC), is emerging as a game-changer, redefining efficiency, size, and performance in critical power applications. With both IGBT and SiC UPS systems occupying the market, the conversation is often about which technology is right for each application.
Understanding the Difference Between IGBT and SiC
At their core, both IGBT and SiC technologies are used to convert and manage electrical power efficiently within a UPS system. IGBT, which has been the industry standard for decades, is a silicon-based semiconductor that balances high current handling with relatively simple control and robust performance. It is reliable, proven, and cost-effective, making it a natural choice for industrial, healthcare, and commercial applications where stability and long-term durability are paramount.
Silicon Carbide, on the other hand, represents the next generation of semiconductor design. SiC is known as a wide bandgap material, meaning it can handle higher voltages, higher switching frequencies, and higher temperatures than traditional silicon. In practical terms, this allows SiC UPS systems to operate more efficiently, generate less heat, and use smaller components. The result is a more compact and energy-efficient power solution. An appealing prospect for environments where every square metre and every watt of energy matters.
The Benefits of SiC Technology
The most immediate advantage of SiC-based UPS systems lies in their superior efficiency. With switching losses dramatically reduced, these systems can achieve efficiency levels of upwards of 98%, such as the Legrand KeorFLEX which achieves an industry leading 98.4%. For large-scale operations such as data centres, even a one percent increase in efficiency can lead to significant cost savings over time. Less wasted energy also means less heat, which in turn reduces the burden on cooling systems. The cumulative effect is a substantial improvement in overall energy performance and sustainability.
SiC technology also enables higher switching frequencies, allowing for smaller magnetic components such as transformers and filters. This directly translates into a reduced physical footprint, making SiC UPS systems lighter and more compact. The ability to deliver the same or greater power capacity within a smaller enclosure is especially valuable in modern facilities where floor space is at a premium. Additionally, the ability of SiC components to operate at higher temperatures improves system resilience and reduces the need for extensive cooling infrastructure.
The Trade-Off Between Efficiency and Footprint
One important aspect to understand is that SiC technology presents a design trade-off between efficiency and size. If a UPS is designed to prioritise maximum efficiency, it is typically operated at lower switching frequencies to minimise losses. However, this approach requires slightly larger passive components, which can increase the overall footprint. Conversely, when the focus is on achieving the smallest possible UPS design, the system can be run at higher switching frequencies, allowing for smaller components but slightly reducing efficiency due to increased switching losses.
This balance means that SiC technology offers exceptional flexibility, engineers can tune the design to meet specific performance goals, whether that’s ultra-high efficiency or ultra-compact size. In both cases, SiC still outperforms traditional silicon-based systems, offering a meaningful improvement in performance metrics.
Why IGBT Still Matters
Despite the clear advantages of SiC, IGBT technology remains deeply relevant in the UPS market. IGBT-based systems have decades of field-proven reliability and are known for their robustness in demanding environments. They offer a more cost-effective solution for many organisations, particularly those for whom absolute efficiency or footprint reduction is not the highest priority.
IGBT UPS systems are also easier to integrate into existing electrical infrastructures. Many facilities have legacy systems designed around silicon-based technology, and upgrading to a new IGBT UPS often requires minimal changes to control systems, cabling, or cooling arrangements. For these reasons, IGBT remains a trusted and practical option for many commercial and industrial users.
Why SiC Is Especially Beneficial for Data Centres
The data centre sector, in particular, stands to gain the most from the adoption of SiC-based UPS technology. Data centres are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining exceptional uptime and energy performance. Power efficiency is one of the most direct and impactful ways to achieve this. Even a marginal improvement in UPS efficiency can lead to substantial savings in electricity and cooling costs across large-scale facilities operating 24/7.
Furthermore, space efficiency is a critical consideration in modern data centre design. As rack densities increase and modular layouts become more common, SiC’s ability to deliver high power density in a compact form factor allows operators to make better use of valuable floor space. The combination of high efficiency, reduced heat generation, and compact design makes SiC UPS systems an ideal fit for forward-thinking data centres committed to sustainability and long-term operational savings.
Balancing Innovation with Practicality
Ultimately, both IGBT and SiC technologies play essential roles in the evolution of modern UPS systems. SiC represents the future of high-efficiency, high-performance power electronics, while IGBT continues to provide a dependable, cost-effective solution for many critical power applications. The choice between them depends on each organisation’s priorities, whether that’s lowering operating costs, maximising energy performance, or maintaining proven reliability at an accessible price point.
Legrand is at the forefront of UPS innovation, continuously developing solutions that harness the best of both IGBT and Silicon Carbide (SiC) technologies. Through their advanced engineering and commitment to sustainable design, Legrand offers a comprehensive range of UPS systems that combine proven reliability with cutting-edge efficiency. As a brand of Legrand, Power Control is proud to supply and support Legrand’s UPS portfolio, ensuring that every customer benefits from technology tailored to their operational requirements, sustainability objectives, and long-term investment goals.