The aim of this study is to develop a transient thermal analysis by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to assess the thermal impedance of a SiC-based direct-cooled traction inverter from STMicroelectronics. Thermal impedance measurements are performed during a power cycle test. The virtual junction temperature of the switches is determined assuming the body diode voltage drop as a Temperature-Sensitive Electric Parameter (TSEP). In more detail, one switch is heated, and the junction temperature is measured by TSEP for the other switches, accounting for cross-heating between them. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis of the time step is performed to allow the adoption of a variable time step during the investigated time range. Following this analysis, the computational time required for the simulation is reduced by 60% compared to using a constant time step. Finally, the CFD results are compared with the TSEP results, demonstrating good accuracy.

CFD Model for Thermal Impedance Evaluation of a SiC-Based Traction Inverter Considering Heat Coupling Effects

Donetti L.;Mauro S.;Sequenzia G.
2025-01-01

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a transient thermal analysis by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to assess the thermal impedance of a SiC-based direct-cooled traction inverter from STMicroelectronics. Thermal impedance measurements are performed during a power cycle test. The virtual junction temperature of the switches is determined assuming the body diode voltage drop as a Temperature-Sensitive Electric Parameter (TSEP). In more detail, one switch is heated, and the junction temperature is measured by TSEP for the other switches, accounting for cross-heating between them. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis of the time step is performed to allow the adoption of a variable time step during the investigated time range. Following this analysis, the computational time required for the simulation is reduced by 60% compared to using a constant time step. Finally, the CFD results are compared with the TSEP results, demonstrating good accuracy.
2025
9783031765964
9783031765971
CFD
Cross-heating
Thermal Impedance
Traction Inverter
TSEP
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/665049
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