Compact ultra-efficient low-cost silicon carbide inverter technology for electric vehicles

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Disruptive power device technologies based on compound semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) have become increasingly attractive for various applications because of their ability to operate at substantially higher temperature, power density, voltage and switching frequency than those of silicon devices, leading to significant inverter cost and weight reductions and reliability and efficiency improvements.Camvertec have developed a compact low-cost SiC traction inverter technology incorporating an ultra-fast drive circuit combined with an ultra-efficient integrated inverter topology with a unique thermal management that eliminates the need for a second cooling loop i.e. it uses engine coolant for power electronics cooling. The technology has compact and lightweight design and has enabled the inverter cost to be competitive to mainstream silicon-based traction inverters.This project aims to prove the feasibility of the technology by design, build and testing of a credible-sized 50 kW inverter for EV powertrain applications.