TLS Energy BESS: 99% Power Conversion Efficiency Powered by SiC IGBT Technology

As the global energy landscape shifts toward renewable power and energy storage, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a key role in stabilizing the grid, storing surplus energy, and improving power quality. One of the most critical components in any BESS is the Power Conversion System (PCS) — the heart of energy transformation between AC (grid) and DC (battery).

At TLS Energy, we understand that high conversion efficiency is not just a technical benchmark — it directly impacts the client’s operational cost, system reliability, and return on investment. That’s why we use advanced Silicon Carbide (SiC) IGBT technology in our PCS to ensure industry-leading efficiency and performance.

Real Performance: 99% Efficiency in Live Operation
In one of TLS Energy’s active projects, a screenshot of the PCS interface shows the following real-time values:
    •    DC Power: 3757 kW
    •    AC Power: 3795 kW
This indicates that only 38 kW is lost during the power conversion process — a conversion efficiency of approximately 99%. This level of performance is exceptional and far exceeds traditional power electronics.
This impressive result is made possible by the use of SiC-based IGBT modules in our PCS.

What is SiC IGBT Technology?
SiC IGBT stands for Silicon Carbide Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor. It is a type of power semiconductor device used to switch and convert electricity at high efficiency and high voltage. SiC IGBT is considered the next generation of power devices, offering significant performance improvements over traditional silicon-based IGBT.
Key advantages of SiC IGBT include:
    •    High Switching Frequency
SiC devices can switch at much higher frequencies with lower losses, enabling more precise and responsive control of power.
    •    Low Switching and Conduction Losses
SiC IGBTs reduce energy losses during switching operations, helping achieve high overall system efficiency.
    •    High Thermal Conductivity
SiC handles higher operating temperatures, which reduces the size of the cooling system and improves system reliability.
    •    Smaller and Lighter PCS Design
With less heat and more efficient performance, the PCS design becomes more compact, reducing container space and installation cost.

​Why SiC IGBT Is More Efficient Than Traditional Si IGBT
To understand why SiC IGBT enables such high energy efficiency, it’s important to compare it with traditional silicon (Si) IGBT technology. Here’s a breakdown:

• Lower Switching Losses

SiC IGBTs can switch on and off much faster than Si IGBTs. Faster switching results in less energy lost during each switching cycle, which is especially valuable in high-frequency PCS applications.

• Lower Conduction Losses

When the IGBT is conducting electricity, it still resists some current flow. SiC has lower on-state resistance, reducing the energy lost as heat during operation.

• Higher Switching Frequency

SiC IGBTs allow the PCS to operate at much higher frequencies. This leads to the use of smaller passive components (such as filters and inductors), and improves dynamic response, resulting in a more compact and efficient system.

• Higher Operating Temperatures

SiC can safely function at much higher temperatures than Si — over 150–200°C compared to just 125°C for Si. This reduces the size and power consumption of the cooling system.

• Higher Voltage Blocking Capability

SiC devices support higher voltages with less leakage current and loss, making them ideal for high-power BESS applications.

How High Efficiency Saves Cost for Clients
For every megawatt-hour (MWh) stored and discharged by a BESS system, energy losses during conversion directly affect operational cost. A low-efficiency PCS can lead to significant energy losses, which adds up over the system’s lifetime.

With TLS Energy’s high-efficiency PCS:
    •    More energy is delivered to the grid or load
    •    Lower operational and cooling costs
    •    Improved system performance and lifespan
    •    Reduced carbon footprint
    •    Higher ROI for clients

For example, in a 100MWh BESS project, even a 1% efficiency improvement can save ~ half million of dollars annually in energy costs alone.

Applications That Benefit from High-Efficiency PCS
SiC IGBT-based PCS systems from TLS Energy are suitable for a wide range of applications:
    •    Utility-Scale Renewable Integration
Efficient conversion maximizes the value of stored solar or wind energy.
    •    Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Facilities
Businesses can reduce electricity bills and demand charges with reliable, high-efficiency energy storage.
    •    Microgrids and Off-Grid Systems
In isolated or remote areas, every watt counts. High-efficiency PCS ensures maximum battery usage.
    •    Frequency Regulation and Grid Services
Fast response and accurate control are supported by high switching speed of SiC IGBTs.

TLS Energy: Innovation Meets Reliability
At TLS Energy, we go beyond traditional EPC or container manufacturing — we are a full-solution BESS provider. From system design to delivery, we integrate the latest technology to help our clients achieve long-term value.
Key strengths of TLS Energy’s BESS solutions:
    •    Advanced PCS with SiC IGBT modules
    •    Modular and scalable design
    •    Integrated EMS, BMS, and SCADA
    •    Robust thermal and fire safety design
    •    Global compliance (CE, UL, IEC, DNV 2.7-1, etc.)
Our systems are tested under real-world conditions to deliver the performance, reliability, and efficiency demanded by the modern grid.

SiC IGBT technology is a game changer in energy storage power conversion. It allows PCS to operate with higher efficiency, better thermal performance, and compact design. TLS Energy’s adoption of this technology has proven results — our live project shows over 99% AC-DC efficiency, minimizing losses and maximizing value.

Whether your goal is to reduce energy costs, improve energy reliability, or support renewable energy adoption, TLS Energy offers a solution built for performance, safety, and long-term success.

Contact us today to learn more about how TLS Energy’s high-efficiency BESS systems can support your energy goals.

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