Search Results

The superior properties of silicon carbide (SiC) power electronic devices compared with silicon (Si) are expected to have a significant impact on next-generation vehicles, especially hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The system-level benefits of using SiC devices in HEVs include a large reduction in the size, weight, and cost of the power conditioning and/or thermal systems. However, the expected performance characteristics of the various semiconductor devices and the impact that these devices could have in applications are not well understood. Simulation tools have been developed and are demonstrated for SiC devices in relevant transportation applications. These tools have been verified by experimental analysis of SiC diodes and MOSFETs and can be used to assess the impact of expected performance gains in SiC devices and determine areas of greatest impact in HEV systems.

A detailed component performance, ratings, and cost study was conducted on series and parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) configurations for several battery pack and main electric traction motor voltages while meeting stringent Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) power delivery requirements. A computer simulation calculated maximum current and voltage for each component as well as power and fuel consumption. These values defined the peak power ratings for each HEV drive system's electric components: batteries, battery cables, boost converter, generator, rectifier, motor, and inverter. To identify a superior configuration or voltage level, life cycle costs were calculated based on the components required to execute simulated drive schedules. These life cycle costs include the initial manufacturing cost of components, fuel cost, and battery replacement cost over the vehicle life.