Unrivaled Efficiency: Hillcrest's Tech Paving The Way For Renewable Energy Systems

Hillcrest Energy Technologies' proprietary Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) technology delivers increased efficiencies, performance, and reliability in electric systems.

• After electrifying the EV world with its power conversion tech, Hillcrest Energy is focusing on improving grid-connected storage and renewable energy systems.
• European OEM testing shows unrivalled EMC performance with Hillcrest's proprietary technology.
• Interest in Hillcrest technologies pouring in from around the world as governments transition towards greater electrification.

The global shift towards electrification and renewable energy, driven by the urgent need to combat climate change, has created a burgeoning demand for efficient and reliable power conversion technologies.

According to Allied Market Research, the power converter market was valued at $20.9 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $44.6 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2032. And, while the global power converter market is being driven primarily by a rise in the adoption of electric vehicles, there is also growing demand for power converters to integrate energy sources into the grid efficiently, the report said.

Riding this demand from EV manufacturers and utility companies is Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. CSE: HEAT | OTCQB: HLRTF | FRA: 7HI, a Vancouver-based cleantech company developing high-performance power conversion applications for next-generation powertrains and grid-connected storage and renewable energy systems.

Hillcrest's core platform, which revolves around its proprietary Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) technology or 'soft switching' is already setting new standards and is expected to enhance the efficiency and performance of EVs.

"Think of the inverter as the brain that is able to make the motor spin off the battery, that is what the inverter does in a car. We are the first in the world to be able to come up with a commercial prototype for a Zero Voltage inverter Switching (ZVS) technology," said Hillcrest Founder and CEO Don Currie. "The Hillcrest ZVS inverter technology can be applied with batteries, electric motors, generators, fuel cells, or virtually any other power source where power conversion is needed."

With an unparalleled inverter efficiency of 99.6%, Hillcrest estimates that their ZVS inverter will reduce EV manufacturing costs by as much as $2,200 per vehicle – about $1,500 in the battery itself, $700 in materials and other components. By reducing the amount of battery material needed to achieve the same range, the ZVS inverter can reduce the amount of lithium and other critical metals per vehicle. 

"We have interests and requests from the United States, Australia, Europe and companies in Ontario, Alberta and here in BC," — Don Currie, Founder and CEO, Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd.

Recently, Hillcrest announced the successful completion of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) chamber testing with a European automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) exists in most electronic systems, posing a threat to their proper functioning. The testing was completed at an external certified lab selected by the European OEM with results suggesting Hillcrest's ZVS traction inverter could provide substantial improvements and system-level cost savings when compared to inverters now on the market, the company said.

 "Recent EMC chamber testing with the European OEM showcased our technology's ability to achieve significantly better EMC during all tested operating points compared to existing inverters. This breakthrough will allow for a reduction or potential elimination of the expensive and heavy shielding, filters and laminates currently required in high-power systems," said Hillcrest Chief Technology Officer, Ari Berger.

"This advancement extends beyond EVs, benefiting nearly all electrical systems utilizing our ZVS inverter technology. Our ability to greatly reduce EMI without adding additional costs could offer a step-change improvement to these applications and an incredible market opportunity for Hillcrest," said Berger.

Power conversion technology can save millions for power generation and storage

Tests of Hillcrest's technology have demonstrated remarkably improved efficiencies and potential cost savings.

Having electrified the EV world with the benefits of its proprietary technology, Hillcrest is now on a path to commercialization that aims to revolutionize power conversion across diverse sectors.

"We spent the first two years focussing on EVs because we had the expertise to do it and the contacts to open doors in the sector. We are now at an inflection point with a proof of concept applicable for the grid-connected world," said Hillcrest Commercialization Officer, James Bolen.

"We are ready to demonstrate a version of the ZVS inverter tailored to power grid applications. We’ve already done some testing internally and we believe that our stationary-style grid-connected inverter could improve power quality and harmonics, reduce EMI, increase grid power generation and storage efficiency by as much as 2%," he said. "This could allow a 250MW solar farm to deliver 5MW more power to the grid while reducing their system costs, enabling operators to generate millions of dollars in additional revenues over the life of the solar farm."

With the addition of storage and the associated bi-directional charge and discharge cycles, this same solar farm could deliver as much as 4% more power and realize even greater potential revenues, said Bolen. The profound power conversion savings and efficiencies being exhibited by Hillcrest's technologies have garnered the attention of suppliers and utility companies across the globe.

"We have interest from the United States, Australia, Europe and companies in Ontario, Alberta and here in BC," said Currie. 

In fact, BC Hydro, the main electricity distributor in its home province of British Columbia, expects electricity demand to increase by 15% or more between now and 2030. BC Hydro’s goal is to acquire new sources of clean, renewable electricity, including wind and solar to add additional intermittent renewables to the grid as part of its $36 billion updated 10-year capital plan.

"We have estimated that our technology could increase efficiency for utilities like BC Hydro by as much as 2%," said Currie. "The ability of these entities to obtain more useable power from their generation and storage investments could have a meaningful impact on their bottom line."

Currie adds, "We have seven companies we’re working with right now and we have more waiting in the background. So, over the next couple of years, we look to go from development of applications into commercialization and profitability."

Proven tech set to drive Hillcrest's commercialization plans

Hillcrest successfully completed a demonstration of its ZVS inverter in a Hercules Electric Mobility e-boat.

Building on its accomplishments, Hillcrest remains dedicated to engaging with a variety of potential customers and partners to drive the commercialization of its technology across various applications, said Currie. One such collaboration, aided by a Canadian government grant, includes a recent in-water demonstration with Hercules Electric Mobility's e-boat.

This collaborative effort focused on integrating and demonstrating the Hillcrest ZVS inverter in a Hercules electric powertrain. Results demonstrated the ability of Hillcrest's ZVS inverter to improve powertrain efficiency without compromising performance.

"We went from outreach to taking calls, having interest coming to us," Currie said. "In large part, it was because we had done what no one else had been able to do."

Recent business trips to the UK have also expanded Hillcrest's pipeline of new commercial engagements. Exploratory discussions are underway with several electric vehicle manufacturers and suppliers in Britain.

"We intend to continue aggressively pursuing these opportunities while working in parallel to get projects lined up to do formal and in-field demos," said Currie.

With its potential to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and enhance system performance, Hillcrest’s ZVS technology is redefining the power inverter landscape and driving the global shift towards a more electrified and sustainable future.

"We are first movers in this sector with a proven prototype and a technology platform that can be deployed into numerous applications and products. It's a reality, not an idea. We are leading the way with something the world wants and it doesn’t take much to see the value in what we can offer,” said Currie.

To learn more about Hillcrest Energy Technologies, visit its website here, or find it on social media:

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This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga’s opinions and has not been edited for content. This contains sponsored content and is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.