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HILLCREST DEMONSTRATES INVERTER EFFICIENCIES
July 13, 2022

HILLCREST DEMONSTRATES INVERTER EFFICIENCIES

  • Hillcrest high efficiency inverter achieves reduction in switching losses of +90% compared to conventional, hard-switched inverters.
  • Results signify additional milestone on path to commercialization.
  • Unmatched efficiencies deliver opportunity for higher power density, lower cost and weight and better power quality and performance in future EV’s.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via InvestorWire – Hillcrest Energy Technologies (CSE: HEAT) (OTCQB: HLRTF) (FRA: 7HIA.F), a clean technology company developing transformative power conversion technologies and control system solutions for next-generation EVs and electrical systems, has completed proof of concept testing that demonstrates the elimination of switching losses with its traction inverter.

A comparison of losses between soft-switching and hard-switching was calculated by Hillcrest. The system was tested with 470V DC-link voltage under 5A load with 20kHz switching frequency. The Hillcrest inverter achieved an average of more than 90% fewer switching losses and a roughly 90% reduction in dV/dt compared to the conventional, hard-switched inverters found in many EVs today.

The company includes details of the soft-switching testing and results in an update of its previously released technical whitepaper available for download at the Hillcrest website. While previous testing had confirmed the efficiency of total inverter losses, the new tests looked specifically at the efficiencies gained via Hillcrest’s mastery of soft-switching.

Electric motors currently used in EV powertrains operate within a switching frequency range of 8kHz to 16kHz, due to the historic trade-off between the best possible switching behavior and acceptable thermal losses. The ability of the Hillcrest high-efficiency inverter to soft-switch at much higher frequencies without generating additional losses will allow motor manufacturers to take advantage of new motor concepts not previously available to them.

“These test results represent another milestone on the pathway to commercialization of our traction inverter,” said Don Currie, CEO of Hillcrest Energy Technologies. “It’s an exciting step that proves we’re on the right track to providing the optimal inverter technology that will help make the next generation of EVs even more efficient and more powerful.”

Leveraging the Hillcrest traction inverter in an EV powertrain is intended to improve overall system-level performance. A system with higher power density, lower cost and weight, and better power quality and performance could play an integral part in delivering a vehicle with more power, more payload capability and increased range.

“With these new test results in hand, we can more clearly demonstrate that zero-voltage switching (“ZVS”) is both feasible and it offers several cost and performance benefits relative to overall system size, complexity and weight of future electric vehicles,” stated Ari Berger, Hillcrest CTO.

The successful tests completed thus far with the Hillcrest proof of concept are important steps in the commercialization testing protocol. Testing of the Hillcrest 250kW 800V commercial prototype traction inverter is currently underway, with a final prototype ready for delivery to customers in the fourth quarter of this year. The Company intends to provide an update on the progress of the commercial prototype shortly.

Additional updates

  • Hillcrest has added a new member to its technical team, Ronald Rebeiro. Ronald holds a Ph.D. in electrical and electronics engineering and brings experience in electrical machine design and motor drives. He will focus primarily on engineering project management and testing activities at Hillcrest’s Vancouver tech development lab.
  • Effective July 1, 2022, Hillcrest has entered into a 6-month agreement with IBN, Investor Brand Network, to increase exposure to retail investors in the United States. IBN is a multifaceted communications organization with an investor-based distribution network that connects companies to the investment community through a syndication network of 50-plus trusted web brands. Hillcrest will pay US$29,000 per quarter for these services, with no shares, options or other equity being issued in relation to this agreement.

About Hillcrest Energy Technologies

Hillcrest Energy Technologies is a clean technology company 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 is investing in the development of energy solutions that will power a more sustainable and electrified future. Hillcrest is publicly traded on the CSE under the symbol “HEAT,” on the OTCQB Venture Market as “HLRTF” and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as “7HIA.F.” For more information, please visit: https://hillcrestenergy.tech/.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Investor Relations
Cornell Hazelton
[email protected]
O: +1 313.309.9500

Public Relations
Scott Worden
[email protected]
O: +1 313.309.9500

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information

Some of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as “expects,” “intends,” “is expected,” “potential,” “suggests” or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release. The forward-looking information reflects our current expectations and assumptions and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these assumptions will prove correct. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company’s control. Investors are advised to consider the risk factors under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021, available at www.sedar.com for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

Corporate Communications:
InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN)
Los Angeles, California
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
310.299.1717 Office
[email protected]

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