Mu­SiC: SiC Dual In­vert­er for In­dus­tri­al Dri­ves, FHNW School of Engineering and Environment

Technology

• SiC MOSFETs

• Dual Inverter

• Multilevel Converter

• Active Front End

• Electric Drive Systems

Background

Electric drive systems account for a significant share of global electricity consumption. Dual inverter topologies can apply multiple voltage levels to motor windings, reducing harmonic currents and associated motor losses. Combined with state-of-the-artSiC power semiconductors, additional efficiency gains can be achieved by lowering converter losses. The MuSiC project investigates the potential of this technology for future energy-efficient industrial drive systems.

Goals

The project aims to develop and evaluate a SiC-based dual inverter for industrial drive applications. Different topologies, modulation methods and system configurations are investigated with respect to efficiency, power quality, EMC performance and motor losses. In addition, a dedicated test bench is being established for investigations of drive systems up to approximately 100 kVA.

Results

A first dual inverter demonstrator has successfully proven multilevel operation. The specification of a new drive test bench has been completed and implementation has been outsourced. In parallel, new SiC phase-leg hardware based on 1200 V SiC MOSFETs in QDPAK packages has been developed and successfully validated. Current work focuses on the development of a compact 11 kW three-phase converter that can operate as an active front end, main inverter or auxiliary inverter within a dual inverter system.