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In this invention, a set of unique switch arrangements are proposed which create the capability of using one power module in different converter topologies, providing...
About
In this invention, a set of unique switch arrangements are proposed which create the capability of using one power module in different converter topologies, providing adaptability, compactness and freedom in converter design. This feature can reduce the production cost and accelerate mass production procedure. These power module series are generally called universal power modules. Obligations on increasing the power density of power conversion units such as chargers and traction inverters in electrified mobile systems have moved the current trend towards using Wide Band Gap (WBG) devices such as SiC and GaN. SiC technology. SiC, however, is more mature, and hence, have gained more interest in the electric vehicle industry. The high breakdown electric field strengths and lower on-resistances that reduces the conductive losses on the switches, and high operating junction temperature result in reducing the size of thermal management systems or the passive components due to higher switching frequency and improve the power density. But the finalized cost of WBG-based power module packages hinders the vast utilization of WBG devices.
Key Benefits
* Cheaper and faster mass production for the producers * Flexibility and adaptability of the product for the customers * Cost-effective for the producers – there is a huge engineering cost behind every different version of a power module design. Using universal power modules, the engineering cost will be much lower since the design is focused only on only two power modules (universal 4X and 6X) that are inherently flexible to be used in different power electronic converters. * Cost-effective and timesaving for the users – power modules are the most expensive part of power electronic converters. The users must buy or order custom-made power modules for every different power electronic converter that they wish to build. Using Universal power modules, they can reuse the same power modules and build their power electronic converters. Moreover, they do not need to pay extra for custom-made power modules with a long lead time. * Suitable for high power density applications – the designers can design several power electronic converters using the same power module and compare the power density and select the most optimized system according to their requirements. If different switching arrangements are needed in a power electronic converter, different power modules must be used accordingly. In this case, usually the users order custom-made power modules since it is not preferred to use different power modules, with different footprints and physical characteristics, in the same power electronic converter because it will hinder a tight system design for high power density applications. Universal power modules are more compatible in such systems because they are adaptable to be used as various switching cells in one power electronic converter.
Applications
* Traction inverter design in electric and hybrid transportation systems such as on-highway and off-highway vehicles, electrified airplanes and trains * Aerospace applications * Home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dish washers * Medical electric equipment * Electric machines used in industry or laboratory equipment such as CNC machines