SiC Based Electrical Distribution for High Voltage Vehicle Power Systems

Power system upgrades for next generation ground combat vehicles require technology advances such as higher operating temperature, greater power density, and increased functionality. Silicon Carbide (SiC) based power electronic devices offer advantages over silicon devices, especially for high voltage buses, and Creare is currently developing a SiC based 12 channel, +/ 300 VDC Solid State Electrical Distribution Unit (SSEDU) which operates at high power levels and temperatures. Our design uses innovative thermal management to enable operation at very high ambient temperature while maintaining adequately low semiconductor junction temperatures. This approach minimizes size and maximizes lifetime and reliability. During Phase I we demonstrated feasibility with design, analysis, and test of a four channel prototype. During Phase II we will complete development and demonstrate a prototype in TARDECs VEA System Integration Lab at TRL 6. Creares SSEDU offers the benefits of higher power density, higher operating temperature, and increased control intelligence when compared to existing designs.