An Integrated IGBT Module for Dual Inverter Applications

Abstract:
This paper presents an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) module integrating two half bridge switches for dual inverter applications in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Such three IGBT modules can be inserted between four heat sinks to form a stacked structure, and used as the three phase half bridge switches for a motor inverter and the three phase half bridge switches for a generator inverter. Work presented in this paper are the structure design, associated simulations, prototyping of the designed IGBT module and thermal and electrical tests of the prototyped IGBT module. Results obtained include the specified layouts of power and signal/control terminals, low parasitic loop inductances, sufficient cooling performance and intended electrical functions of the single IGBT module and/or the three IGBT modules assembled in the stacked structure. The present IGBT module will hence provide high electrical and thermal performance and compact solution in comparison with the existing power modules for the dual inverter applications.