As the world races towards ambitious climate goals and a rapid transition to renewable energy, the demand for advanced power conversion technologies is soaring.
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the need for efficient integration of renewable energy sources into the grid are driving this robust and rapidly growing market. At the forefront of this movement is Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. (CSE:HEAT).
Positioned to become a leader in high-performance electric power conversion devices, the company’s Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) inverter technology platform aims to address inefficiencies in conventional inverters on the market today. This offers a solution that enhances power conversion across various sectors. This article takes a deeper look into Hillcrest’s technology, its applications and the company’s strategy for commercialization and growth.
The rising demand for advanced power conversion technologies
According to Bloomberg NEF, the global energy storage market almost tripled in 2023, marking the largest year-on-year gain on record. In 2024, the global energy storage sector is set to add more than 100 gigawatt-hours of capacity for the first time. As energy storage capabilities expand, the demand for power inverters is skyrocketing.
Fortune Business Insights recently reported that the power inverter market is projected to grow from US$46.57 billion in 2023 to US$209.74 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.62 per cent. These projections expose the burgeoning demand for advanced power conversion technologies, a demand that Vancouver-based Hillcrest Energy Technologies is well-positioned to meet.
Hillcrest recently announced that demonstration slots for its Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) inverter technology are fully booked for 2024, reflecting the high interest from EV manufacturers and the sectors covering various grid applications, such a utility-scale solar and wind generation as well as energy storage and EV charging.
“Over the past few months, several clients have inquired about our industry-leading ZVS technology for improving power factor correction,” Don Currie, CEO of Hillcrest Energy Technologies said in a release on this news. “We are currently in discussions with five customers who have requested demonstrations. This new prototype allows us to showcase the superior efficiency and cost-saving potential of our ZVS technology in this new application.”
Revolutionary inverter technology platform
Hillcrest’s inverter technology platform is a game-changer in the field of power electronics. At the heart of this platform is the ZVS inverter, a device that significantly improves efficiency in converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), and vice-versa.
Traditional inverters often suffer from power losses during the switching process, but Hillcrest’s ZVS inverter minimizes these losses, achieving an impressive efficiency rate of up to 99.7 per cent. This advancement positions Hillcrest’s technology far ahead of conventional inverters available in the market.
The company produced a video explaining the technology:
ZVS inverter: The technology
The ZVS inverter operates by ensuring that voltage is reduced to zero before switching occurs, effectively eliminating the primary cause of power loss and heat generation in standard inverters. This technology can be applied across various electrification systems, including:
- Electric vehicles (EVs): EV batteries store DC power, while the motors typically run on AC power, necessitating efficient conversion.
- Grid-connected renewable energy: Efficient power conversion is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the grid.
- Charging applications: Fast and efficient charging systems require high-performance power conversion devices.
In regions like Australia, where vast distances and the need for robust infrastructure are significant challenges, Hillcrest’s technology can play a critical role. Australia’s total electricity consumption has grown nearly 8 per cent over the past decade, more than France, Germany, Japan or the U.K. Achieving this will require more efficient technologies such as Hillcrest’s ZVS inverter to optimize power generation and distribution.
Hillcrest’s ZVS inverters offer superior electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and industry-leading efficiency of up to 99.7 per cent. These features translate into significant cost savings, estimated at up to US$2,200 per vehicle in EV applications. In stationary applications, such as grid-tied energy generation and storage, Hillcrest’s ZVS inverters promise to enhance power production and storage capabilities, contributing to substantial cost reductions. For instance, a 250MW solar farm using Hillcrest’s technology could deliver 5MW more power to the grid, generating millions of dollars in additional revenue over its lifetime.
First to market: Strategic moves towards commercialization
As Hillcrest makes strident steps towards commercialization, it is also expanding its market reach through strategic partnerships. In June, the company announced a joint development agreement with Norway’s Ocean Batteries AS, an innovator in the marine electrification space. The agreement focuses on the delivery of 300kVA | 800V Hillcrest ZVS inverter prototypes, which will be designed and tested for integration into Ocean Batteries’ onshore energy storage systems.
“Marine applications demand unparalleled efficiency, uptime and safety,” Ocean Batteries’ CEO, Kent Thoresen, said in a news release about this partnership. “We design our systems to consistently deliver superior uptime, performance and reliability. We make sure we understand the end user’s application and tailor-make the solution to match the needs of the individual vessel. Through our partnership with Hillcrest Energy Technologies, we are aiming to set a new benchmark in the energy storage sector, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
Hillcrest Energy Technologies is not just a concept but a proven solution ready for commercialization. The company is in advanced discussions with original equipment manufacturers in Germany who are leaders in automotive and industrial sectors. These partnerships are crucial for implementing Hillcrest’s technology in next-generation powertrains and grid applications.
One notable project is the Ocean Batteries initiative, aimed at enhancing energy storage solutions for shipyards. This collaboration will see Hillcrest’s ZVS inverter technology integrated into energy storage systems, improving efficiency and reducing costs. This project exemplifies how Hillcrest’s technology can accelerate revenue generation and pave the way for broader market adoption.
(Source: Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd.)
Earlier this year, Hillcrest announced the successful completion of its first in-vehicle demonstration of its ZVS traction inverter, conducted in partnership with Hercules Electric Mobility, a leading player in electric mobility solutions. The successful demonstration was the first time the company tested its technology outside the lab in a fully integrated, real-life, and uncontrolled environment. The demonstration took place in a Hercules Electric Mobility-powered E-boat on Orchard Lake, Michigan, approximately 44 kilometres north of Detroit.
Hillcrest’s power conversion technology has also garnered significant interest from utility companies worldwide, including in its home province of British Columbia. In April, the company entered into a collaboration agreement with Powertech Labs Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BC Hydro. Under this agreement, Powertech Labs will provide testing and consulting services to assist Hillcrest in the development and validation of its ZVS inverter technology for grid-connected applications.
Optimistic outlook
Leveraging their partnerships, successful demos, seasoned experts and strong industry relationships, Hillcrest has positioned itself as a key player in the clean energy technology sector. The company’s technology is proving to be versatile and applicable across multiple industries, from EVs to marine applications and grid-connected energy storage systems.
Leadership and expertise
Hillcrest’s potential to revolutionize the power conversion industry is driven by a team of seasoned professionals with relevant and extensive experience as well as proven success within the industry.
Michael Moscowitz, the former CEO and chairman of Panasonic North America, is a member of Hillcrest’s board of directors. The company’s advisors include industry veterans such as automotive executives Dan Coker and Dr. Heinz-Georg Burghoff. Their combined industry expertise and extensive networks ensures that Hillcrest is well-positioned to capitalize on its innovative technology.
The technical team, led by Ari Berger and Harald Hengstenberger, brings unparalleled knowledge and experience in power electronics and power conversion technologies. Their ability to crack the ZVS code that has eluded others for decades is a testament to Hillcrest’s unique capabilities as a company.
“Each member of our technical team brings decades of experience and deep industry networks. It is incredible for such a young company to possess this much know-how under one roof” the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Jamie Hogue explained in an exclusive interview with The Market Online. “Then you add the commercial leaders advising us on strategy and facilitating industry introductions, and we are unstoppable. Over the past eighteen months, we’ve landed demonstrations and collaborative projects that have each taught us something new. We’ve leveraged that knowledge and now, nearly every one of the customers we are talking to is global in scale, be it automotive or grid-connected power or industrial applications. It’s very hard for a company our size to get in those doors. I think that is a success story in and of itself.”
The investment corner
Hillcrest Energy Technologies represents a compelling investment opportunity in the clean technology sector. With its revolutionary ZVS inverter technology, the company addresses critical inefficiencies in power conversion, offering a solution that enhances efficiency and reduces costs across various applications. Backed by a team of industry experts and a robust commercialization strategy, Hillcrest is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient power conversion technologies. As the market for electrification continues to expand, Hillcrest’s innovative solutions and strategic partnerships are set to drive significant value for investors.
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(Top image: Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd.)