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Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. (CSE: HEAT) (OTCQB: HLRTF) (FRA: 7HIA.F) is a clean technology company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, engaged in developing high-value, high-performance power conversion technologies and digital control systems for next-generation powertrains and grid-connected renewable energy systems.
From concept to commercialization, Hillcrest invests in the development of energy solutions that power a more sustainable and electrified future. Hillcrest power inverter technology helps produce efficiencies in electrification and maximize the performance of electric systems, including electric vehicles (EV), motors and generators.
The company offers a flexible, single-inverter architecture that can be applied at nearly every stage of the electrification ecosystem, from renewable energy generation through the charging and operation of an EV, to provide full-cycle efficiency and performance improvements.
As momentum to electrify and decarbonize energy systems accelerates, Hillcrest believes the power inverter is increasingly emerging as a key component. While system cohorts such as battery packs, PV panels and electric motors are often in the spotlight, the inverter holds the key to unlocking efficiency and performance improvements.
Hillcrest power inverter technology is:
- REVOLUTIONARY: high-efficiency inverter technology has the potential to revolutionize how motors respond and how efficiency is gained.
- AGILE: able to deliver and deploy high-efficiency inverter solutions purpose-designed to meet specific customer needs.
- INNOVATIVE: technology-forward, clean-energy experts who are focused on advancing and optimizing efficient alternative energy use across all electric vehicle and charging platforms.
- A MARKET LEADER: a next-generation technology provider to the automotive industry’s top suppliers and manufacturers.
Technology & Applications
Hillcrest’s first application for its inverter technology – a 250 kW|800V Hillcrest SiC high efficiency traction inverter – is focused on the growing EV market. Hillcrest technology eliminates traditional design trade-offs faced across the power industry – deploying higher switching frequencies has historically meant a greater increase in losses, lower
system efficiency and higher heat. Through a combination of hardware and software expertise, Hillcrest enables power applications to leverage higher switching frequencies AND
- Realize improved power system performance and reliability
- Operate at higher power levels without compromising efficiency
The expected benefits of Hillcrest’s traction inverter have been confirmed via testing and shared in a technical white paper, published in April 2022, that confirmed the following results:
- Significant efficiency gains – 99%-plus inverter efficiency
- Increased power density targeting 50kW/L+
- Significantly increased motor efficiency
- Lower stress on mechanical and electrical parts, enhancing reliability
- Improved thermal management
Hillcrest has also filed a patent for an enhanced powertrain solution that offers the potential to simplify EV charging and redefine how the industry envisions charging infrastructure. The company believes the most exciting benefit of the enhanced powertrain solution is the ability to eliminate the onboard charger and booster from an EV, as well as faster, anywhere charging
including direct DC, wireless, and bidirectional charging across current and future power levels. Hillcrest sees this as a true EV charging game changer.
The company’s technology applies to nearly every clean energy industry segment:
- Wind power – an inverter is deployed at a wind turbine generator to convert the AC output, with at least one additional inverter used to deliver the power to the grid/battery.
- Solar power – an inverter is used to convert the DC output from the photovoltaic panels into the AC power that flows to the grid/battery/home.
- Energy storage – an inverter is deployed to convert the DC output from the storage system or batteries to the AC power that flows to the grid/home/EV.
- EV fast chargers – an inverter converts the AC input from the grid/storage system to the DC output needed to charge an EV’s battery.
Investment Considerations
- Hillcrest in June 2022 filed a patent application for a simplified EV charging solution.
- The company in April 2022 published a technical white paper documenting the benefits of its silicon carbide inverter technology.
- Hillcrest has completed its strategic exit from the fossil fuel business to focus on clean energy technologies.
- The global power inverter market is expected to reach a value of $95 billion by 2028, driven by increasing demand for EVs, energy generating wind turbines and solar-powered photovoltaic systems.
Additional Resources
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