UmSiCht - Converter with SiC-based power electronics and double-sided cooled power module

Innovations in electronics will further increase the efficiency of the drive system of electric vehicles and thus their range. Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors play a special role here, making power electronics, which control energy flows in vehicles, more compact and efficient. Intelligent electronics for control and monitoring will also ensure the reliability of future drives even in the event of a fault.

The influences of the high switching frequencies typical for SiC power electronics systems on the battery, the drive and the electrical system of electric vehicles can, although largely unexplored, be of great importance for the system performance. In order to avoid possible side effects such as damage to the drive machine, faster aging of insulation materials and electromagnetic interactions with the on-board electronics, the UmSiChT project is to investigate suitable parameters for SiC converters and electric drives that make optimal use of the advantages of SiC power semiconductors. Part of the planned research and development work includes controls and filter structures for SiC power electronics as well as double-sided cooling for power modules. The effectiveness is to be demonstrated using an axle drive for mid-range electric vehicles.

The solutions for SiC converters developed in the project and the traction machines adapted to them should increase energy efficiency by 5% compared to conventional electric drives of comparable performance. The desired optimization at the overall system level can also extend the lifespan of drive components for electric vehicles.