SiC Power Converter

We propose to develop SiC based power converter technology up to 60kW suitable for compact high power density and high temperature AGS and other commercial applications. In Phase I, we shall concentrate on (i) packaging and characterizing high power SiC switches so that the circuit-level model can be validated at very high current level, (ii) developing all required circuit-level models with temperature-dependence, (iii) performing a systematic simulations of the entire power converter with AGS load so that the device stressing conditions and ratings can be determined, and (iv) performing a preliminary cost analysis. After demonstrating the feasibility of the power converter based on state-of-the-art SiC power switch technology, we shall, in Phase II, perform the major R&D work including designing and building the SiC power module. We shall fully characterize the power module including switching frequency, power loss, output power efficiency, temperature capability and EMI per MIL-STD-461. We plan to use the fabricated power module to demonstrate a SiC power converter up to 60kW intended for AGS application. The fabricated power converter will also be fully characterized so that remaining issues can be identified and solved in Phase III to commercialize SiC power converter technology for both DOD more electric systems as well as civilian applications.