High Power Density Power Electronics for HEV/EV Applications

Autoren

Dr.-Ing. Philippe Farah, Delphi Technologies, Bascharage;
Harry Husted, Monty Hayes, Robert Campbell, Richard Ravas, Delphi Technologies, Kokomo, Indiana, USA

Zusammenfassung

The next generation of electrified powertrains must follow a path that includes improved efficiency and cost. A vital sub-system which influences both of these factors is the emotor drive electronics, often called an inverter, which takes direct current from the battery and converts it to alternating current to drive the e-motor and propel the vehicle. The inverter is a sophisticated combination of high power electronics and cooling mechanisms coupled with high-speed control electronics.

Liquid-cooled, high-power transistors are at the heart of the inverter and strongly influencing the cost, efficiency, and package size of it. Another key element in the inverter assembly is the DC link capacitor, which provides bulk capacitance to reduce battery DC voltage ripple during the pulse-width modulated "chopping" of high currents and voltages.

This paper will show how highly integrated and optimally-cooled power switches and DC link capacitors can lead to an extremely compact inverters, with some platforms showing a greater than 50 % reduction in package volume needed to power the electrified
vehicles of tomorrow. Reduced packaging and excellent cooling naturally lead to a cost optimized inverter. Future designs which include silicon carbide power transistors for 800V applications with significantly higher power and/or efficiency will also be discussed.

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