Assessment Methodology for Power-Cell based on High-Current 10 kV SiC MOSFET Half-Bridge Module

Rapid technology improvement of silicon-carbide (SiC) MOSFET transistors combined with their extraordinary characteristics are key drivers for their utilization in medium voltage (MV) applications. For typical MV modular converter applications, power-cell (pwr-c) is a critical piece. Pwr-c systematic assessment methodology is crucial to prevent destruction and to fully test exploring its capabilities, prior to implementation at the converter level. Thereby, this paper presents assessment methodology of an MV half-bridge pwr-c with dc bus rated voltage at 6 kV, based on XHV-6 high current 10 kV SiC MOSFET module. Critical considerations, challenges and solutions are presented as well as the detailed assessment workflow and limitations of the pwr-c. The pwr-c is validated through continuous operation at 6 kV, 84 Arms, 10 kHz exhibiting over 99.3% efficiency, switching with dv/dt up to 100 V/ns.