Publication Abstract
A Scalable SiC Device for DC/DC Converters in Future Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Kelley, R., Mazzola, M., & Bondarenko, V. (). A Scalable SiC Device for DC/DC Converters in Future Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition. Dallas.
Abstract
The potential increased power density and high
temperature capability of silicon carbide makes it an ideal
candidate for use in future hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
technology. A secondary cooling system is required to maintain
an 85oC base plate temperature for silicon based power electronics;
but by creating a silicon carbide (SiC) based replacement this
requirement could be relaxed. One anticipated benefit, among
many, is that the secondary cooling loop could be eliminated and
instead interfaced with the engine coolant system designed to
maintain a maximum temperature of 105oC. The purpose of this
paper is to present an all-SiC scaled prototype that is modeled after
the DC-DC converter used in the Prius II to establish a high
voltage DC bus interconnecting the motor and generator. The
design uses a SiC JFET and SiC Schottky diode as the switching
pair of a 1 kW scale model that investigates an inherently safe
approach for use in future HEVs. The ability to parallel these
unipolar devices results in a scalable device technology capable of
achieving high-current, 600-V SiC switch technology in the near
term that offers a potential 100oC increase in junction temperature
above that rated for comparable silicon IGBTs.