Reduction of Power Losses of SiC MOSFET Based Power Modules in Automotive Traction Inverter Applications

Recent advancements in Silicon Carbide MOSFET technologies both in design and processing have enabled its full adoption in automotive traction applications. This work theoretically and experimentally demonstrates how a traction inverter realized with SiC MOSFET power modules can reduce inverter power losses compared to conventional inverter with silicon based IGBT and diode power modules. The traction inverter is the main focus because it consumes the largest amount of energy from the battery of a Plug-In Hybrid or Battery Electric Vehicles. Reduction in power losses will directly improve battery range or increase miles per gallon of the vehicle.