1. High power density, reduce the volume of power module
because silicon carbide Devices have higher current density than silicon devices. Under the same power level, the volume of silicon carbide power modules is significantly smaller than that of silicon-based IGBT modules. Technicians publicly expressed their expectations for SiC in a lecture, and he emphasized that one of the advantages of silicon carbide power devices is the miniaturization of power modules. Taking IPM as an example, it is estimated that the volume of silicon carbide power modules can be reduced to 2/3-1/3 of silicon power modules.
2. Low power loss, improve system efficiency or working frequency
Improving energy efficiency is a headache for many manufacturers. Silicon carbide devices have the characteristics of greatly improving the energy efficiency of equipment. SiC power modules reduce switching losses by up to 85% compared to power modules using silicon-based IGBTs.
In addition, high-speed switching of more than 100kHz can be realized, and the switching frequency can be more than 10 times that of silicon-based IGBT modules. Increasing the switching frequency significantly reduces the size and cost of peripheral components such as inductors and capacitors.
3. Good high temperature stability, significantly reduce the volume and cost of radiator
Since the energy loss of silicon carbide powder devices is only half of that of silicon devices, the heat generation is only half of that of silicon devices; In addition, silicon carbide devices also have excellent high-temperature stability, so the heat dissipation treatment is also easier to carry out, not only the heat sink can be significantly reduced, but also the integration of the inverter and the motor.
At present, electric vehicles generally contain two sets of water cooling systems, one is a motor cooling system, and the other is a cooling system for electronic devices such as inverters. By integrating the inverter and motor by using silicon carbide devices, the wiring distance between the inverter and the motor can be shortened, and the water cooling system that was previously required for the inverter and motor can be integrated, greatly reducing the weight and volume.
For these reasons, SiC devices are also regarded as “key components in the era of heavy environmental protection”. SiC power semiconductors have become synonymous with energy saving, high efficiency and environmental protection. For this reason, the automotive industry has a very urgent expectation of SiC, and the car said that “SiC has the same importance as gasoline engines.”
