Directly Cooled Silicon Carbide Power Modules: Thermal Model and Experimental Characterization

Conference: PCIM Europe digital days 2021 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management
05/03/2021 - 05/07/2021 at Online

Proceedings: PCIM Europe digital days 2021

Pages: 5Language: englishTyp: PDF

Authors:
Mauromicale, Giuseppe (STMicroelectronics, Italy & University of Catania, Italy)
Cascio, Alessandra; Papaserio, Marco; Grazia Cavallaro, Daniela; Bazzano, Gaetano; Calabretta, Michele; Sitta, Alessandro (STMicroelectronics, Italy)
Messina, Angelo Alberto (STMicroelectronics, Italy & IMM, CNR, Catania, Italy)
Patane, Salvatore (University of Messina, Italy)

Abstract:
The Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor material is playing a fundamental role in the development of new power modules. Due to its excellent physical properties, the power devices based on this novel compound improve the traction inverter performance in electric vehicles. This work presents a 3D Finite Element Model (FEM) and fluid dynamics simulation to investigate the behavior of a directly cooled SiC module structure. Furthermore, a two-step experimental procedure to thermally characterize the module is also reported. It comprises a calibration and, subsequently, the thermal impedance computation. The proposed FEM model is compared with experimental test results in order to demonstrate its effectiveness.