High Temperature Silicon Carbide (SiC) Traction Motor Drive

Abstract : Future Military ground vehicle power trains can benefit from a hybrid-electric drive approach, particularly in packaging flexibility where drive train components can be modular and conveniently distributed. Small component size and operation with high-temperature liquid coolant are essential factors in the flexible packaging concept. This paper describes the development of one component, a 220 kW traction motor drive for a hybrid-electric power train. Challenging requirements for the motor-drive include power densities of at least 25 kW/liter and 15 kW/kg at 105 deg C coolant temperature. To achieve these densities, power modules capable of high-temperature operation were developed using SiC normally-off JFETs. This paper will discuss the unique custom packaging of the SiC JFET devices, as well as the arrangement of key components/packaging and thermal management issues.