Evaluating SiC-MOSFETs and Si-IGBTs as Self-Protected Battery Disconnect Switch in MW-Capable Battery Applications

Inhalt:
Currently, electrification of heavy-duty-transportation as well as installing MWh-scale battery-electric energy storage systems (BESS) to balance fluctuating energy sources is a growing market. To protect the battery in case of failure, DC -circuit breakers are needed, usually in form of fuses, contactors or even pyro-fuses. For low -power battery-applications, mechanical miniature switches (MEMS) can be used which appear insufficient if it comes to handling thousands of amps. In this paper, investigation is presented how IGBTs and SiC-MOSFETs could become the core component in such a safety application. Focus is on commercial vehicles, but the technology can be transferred to BESS as well.