18 kW three phase inverter system using hermetically sealed SiC phase-leg power modules

Hui Zhang, Leon M. Tolbert, Jung Hee Han, Madhu S. Chinthavali, Fred Barlow

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Power electronics play an important role in electricity utilization from generation to end customers. Thus, highefficiency power electronics help to save energy and conserve energy resources. Research on silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics has shown their better efficiency compared to Si power electronics due to the significant reduction in both conduction and switching losses. Combined with their hightemperature capability, SiC power electronics are more reliable and compact. This paper focuses on the development of such a high efficiency, high temperature inverter based on SiC JFET and diode modules. It involves the work on high temperature packaging (>200 °C), inverter design and prototype development, device characterization, and inverter testing. A SiC inverter prototype with a power rating of 18 kW is developed and demonstrated. When tested at moderate load levels compared to the inverter rating, an efficiency of 98.2% is achieved by the initial prototype without optimization, which is higher than most Si inverters.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAPEC 2010 - 25th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition
Pages1108-1112
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event25th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2010 - Palm Springs, CA, United States
Duration: Feb 21 2010Feb 25 2010

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings - IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition - APEC

Conference

Conference25th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPalm Springs, CA
Period02/21/1002/25/10

Keywords

  • Efficiency
  • High temperature
  • Inverter
  • Packaging
  • SiC JFET
  • Silicon Carbide (SiC)

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