The modeling of conduction and switching losses for insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and free-wheeling diodes (FWDs) in automobile applications is becoming increasingly important, especially for the improvement of the system efficiency and the reliability prediction. The traditional modeling of conduction and switching losses based on the space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) is not applicable in practice due to the complex curve-fitting and the computation demands. In this paper, a simple and practical losses model for IGBTs and FWDs is proposed based on the SVPWM algorithm. Firstly, the traditional power losses model is introduced briefly. Then, the piecewise linear switching losses model and the conduction losses model based on the equivalent three-order harmonic model of the duty cycle are proposed. The comparison of experimental results between the traditional model and the proposed model is presented in the experiment validation. Furthermore, the power analyzer is adopted to measure the inverter losses, and the chips losses are further validated when other extra losses are considered. The proposed model shows good modeling accuracy with the large benefit of smaller measurement and lower computation requirements.

No abstract

Active-short-circuit and locked-rotor modes are common abnormal operations in new energy vehicles. The IGBT junction temperature measurement for these two operating conditions is a challenging problem due to the unexpected large current and the asymmetric operation of semiconductor chips. In addition, different cooling flow rates have a significant influence on the heat dissipation, which will also have an impact on the building of the thermal model. Based on these difficulties, a modified Foster thermal network under active-short-circuit and locked-rotor modes has been presented considering different cooling conditions. The power loss models of the semiconductor chip under abnormal conditions are developed and a modified Foster thermal network based on the NTC temperature sensor is proposed. The model can be adapted to different cooling conditions since the thermal impedance fluctuates slightly at different cooling flow rates. The proposed thermal model is verified with inverter application under active-short-circuit and locked-rotor modes and the experimental performance shows good accuracy compared with the infrared camera measurement results. INDEX TERMS Insulated gate bipolar transistors(IGBTs);active short circuit(ASC) mode; locked-rotor mode; thermal models.

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">DC link active discharge is mandatory in new energy vehicles. This paper first analyzes the necessity of active discharge in automotive inverters and then introduces the commonly used discharge methods. After reviewing the pros and cons of the current methods, a new discharge solution using IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) modules WSC (Weak Short Circuit) is proposed. The essence of WSC is to make one of the shooting through IGBTs (two IGBTS forms a half bridge topology) entering into active work area by controlling its gate voltage V_GE, where the short current is controlled in safe range and IGBT V_CE voltage is relative large. Hence, large transient power is produced inside IGBT in this condition. By this method, the DC link capacitor energy will be consumed by the weak turned on IGBT gradually. Since the IGBT module has a dedicated cooling loop, the heat generated during discharging process can be transferred into coolant. In order to discharge the DC link capacitor safely, an optimized discharge topology is suggested in which PWM method is applied. This paper focuses on the intensive evaluation of the IGBT both steady and transient electro-thermal stress under this new discharge method. The simulation and experimental results show that this method can not only discharge the DC link capacitor fast, but also has no risk of IGBT damaging since the IGBT electric and thermal stresses are in the safe operation range during the discharge time. It is proved that this new discharging solution saves cost and is also practical for engineering.</div></div>

No abstract