30-kW All-SiC Inverter with 3D-Printed Air-Cooled Heatsinks for Plug-In and Full Electric Vehicle Applications

Abstract

This paper presents the design and development of a 30-kW 3D printed based air-cooled silicon carbide (SiC) inverter for electric vehicle application. Specifically, an all-SiC air-cooled power module is designed, aiming at reduced thermal resistance for high temperature and high power density operation. The module assembly incorporates three major parts: an optimized 3D printed heat sink, a SiC MOSFET phase leg module, and a two-channel gate driver. The electrical and thermal performance of the power module is evaluated through double pulse test and continuous operation. Based on the air-cooled power module, a three-phase half-bridge voltage source inverter with 3D-printed air duct is built and tested to further verify the performance of the power module.