Automotive Power Electronics Roadmap

Abstract:
Automotive applications for power electronics is increasing rapidly due to the demand for hybrid and future fuel-cell powered vehicles. The power electronic systems are not only required for driving the vehicle but are also used to interface energy storage components and to supply high power auxiliary systems such as active suspension, electric valves and air conditioning units. The automotive industry has specific requirements for its power electronic systems such as a compact design, high reliability, long life time and an extremely low cost to power ratio. The systems are further required to operate over a wide ambient temperature range and with liquid cooling temperatures of typically 105deg C. In a study from the USA FreedomCAR project, it is projected that the required cost of the power electronic systems has to reduce by a factor of three until the year 2020.