An infrared camera for characterization of losses in power electronic converters and sustainable energy systems

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This is a research equipment grant application for purchasing a high precision infrared camera for measuring and analyzing the thermal power losses in power electronic converters and integrated circuits. While the overall system efficiency of a power converter can be very accurately measured using conventional lab equipment, it is nearly impossible to measure the individual losses in the system components through electrical measurements. The IR camera is an extremely versatile tool that can be used to measure the power losses in a wide variety of systems by correlating the spacial temperature distribution with power losses using thermal models. The high-precision thermal data will be used to validate the benefit of the proposed efficiency optimization techniques in a variety of projects, including (1) low-power integrated miniature dc-dc converters, (2) power converters for high-efficiency LED lighting, (3) battery management circuitry for electric vehicles and (4) distributed power electronic converters for photovoltaic applications. The detailed experimental data generated from the IR camera will greatly enhance the accuracy, credibility and technical merit of the publications targeted by the research program. The portable nature of the equipment makes it convenient for sharing with other researchers beyond the four co-applicants of this grant. The IR camera will be extensively used to train both graduate and undergraduate students in thermal design and characterization in the mentioned projects, with an expected usage of 60 hours/month. This training is highly relevant when most power electronics and semiconductor companies are seeking engineers with a sound understanding of thermal constraints and design issues.