Efficient cooling for solar parks: new challenges for old systems
Rising temperatures and longer periods of sunshine are putting the electronics of older photovoltaic systems in particular under increasing stress. Without suitable cooling concepts, there is a risk of performance losses, economic losses or even solar power plant failures. HYDAC is responding to this trend with tailor-made cooling solutions.
Climate-induced stress test for photovoltaic systems
With climate change, both average temperatures and the number of hours of sunshine per year are increasing. For example, March 2025 was the warmest March in Europe since weather records began – a clear sign of this trend. For operators of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems, this means higher thermal loads, declining efficiency and a shorter service life for components – with a direct impact on the economic viability of projects.
Older systems in particular, whose construction and cooling concepts are not designed for today's climatic conditions, are reaching their limits. The conversion of direct current into alternating current generates heat losses – a problem that is exacerbated at high temperatures. Performance losses (derating) can occur at temperatures as low as 25 °C. Components such as IGBTs and throttles are particularly sensitive to heat and wear out more quickly if the heat is not dissipated reliably.
This means that efficient cooling isn't just an optional feature – it's crucial for error-free operation. Retrofitting or modernising with efficient cooling systems is particularly worthwhile for older systems to avoid revenue losses, reduce downtimes and lower life cycle costs – and ultimately safeguard system business plans.
HYDAC provides tailor-made cooling solutions for solar parks
HYDAC meets the increasing cooling requirements of older solar power systems with tailor-made retrofit solutions. We offer modular cooling systems for inverter cooling specifically for solar power, which can be flexibly customised in a building block approach.
The combination of different components creates an efficient, scalable cooling system for power electronics that is precisely tailored to the requirements of the respective system. Depending on customer requirements, we manufacture open, semi-closed and closed fluid cooling systems as well as air/air cooling systems.
You too can increase your system's efficiency: contact us now for your custom cooling solution.
Our product solutions for use in solar parks
HYDAC liquid cold plates (LCP)
Cold plates for cooling electronic components in converters or inverters
- Electronic components mounted directly onto the cold plate so that the heat is directly transferred to the coolant
- The cold plate is specially tailored to suit the application and the electronic components to be cooled
- HYDAC know-how in CNC machining, FSW, vacuum brazing and CFD simulations
HYDAC fluid-air cooling systems (FLKS)
Fluid cooling systems for cooling power converters or energy storage systems
- Very low-maintenance design
- Temperature control option to avoid condensation in the switch cabinet
- Compact design for easy installation in a modular cabinet
HYDAC water-glycol circuits (WGK)
Closed cooling circuits for cooling power converters, switch cabinets and energy storage systems
- Combined with a low-noise air cooler to cool the coolant back down again
- Available for high flow rates
- Virtually maintenance-free, so especially suitable for hard-to-reach areas
IntiRa: retrofit cooling for existing systems
Our customer IntiRa specialises in retrofitting older photovoltaic systems with modern HYDAC cooling systems. The aim is to effectively reduce the thermal load on electronic components – especially against the background of rising ambient temperatures and frequently neglected maintenance during operation.
Especially in existing systems, these factors lead to accelerated ageing of the electronics, a loss of efficiency and often even impairments in neighbouring systems such as the control technology. IntiRa tackles these challenges with custom retrofit solutions that upgrade existing systems to a modern level of technical cooling – efficiently, economically and sustainably. This ensures long-term yields and significantly extends the service life of the systems.
Björn Biskup, CEO IntiRa GmbH
The demands placed on electronic components in photovoltaic systems have risen steadily in recent years due to climate change - and maintenance is often neglected. This accelerates the ageing of the components and reduces efficiency. That's why it is particularly important to ensure sufficient cooling for existing systems. HYDAC provides the right systems to ensure the efficiency and service life of the systems.
