ECE: Electrical & Computer Engineering
ECE News


SiC switch handles heat 100 degrees higher than silicon

Puqi NIng (Photograph by Dave Franusich)

Graduate student Puqi Ning

In collaboration with Boeing, CPES researchers have been working on a silicon carbide (SiC) high power density motor drive (HDMC) designed to regulate and control the speed and torque of a motor. It takes in 230V, variable frequency, three-phase ac power, converts it to 650V dc internally, and then outputs up to 10kW three-phase ac to the high density permanent magnet synchronous motor developed in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The team has achieved a very good power-to-weight ratio, exceeding 2kW per pound.

The use of SiC enables the switch to handle temperatures of up to 250°C, 100°C higher than comparable silicon-based technology. The higher maximum temperature means that less space and weight needs to be devoted to heat management, increasing power density and improving the power-to-weight ratio.