An Advanced Adjustable Switch Hybrid (ASH) Concept for High Power Automotive Converters

Abstract:
In this paper, we introduce an Adjustable Switch Hybrid (ASH) converter concept. The ASH targets the optimization of the electrical performance of high-powered automotive drive-trains depending on the different load conditions during drive cycles. The new concept employs in principle the previously reported Cross Switch (XS) Hybrid having a parallel arrangement of bipolar Silicon IGBTs and unipolar SiC MOSFETs for benefiting from the different electrical characteristics of each paralleled device. However, the ASH relies on a computational approach for the continuous and dynamic adjustments of the Si-IGBT to the SiC MOSFET area ratio through the gate units depending on the load conditions. In practical terms, changes in the loading conditions can be sensed and data will then be sent back to the ASH gate drive unit for the optimum device ratio selection. In other words, the ASH provides the drivetrain with an Electronic Transmission System or Gear type functionality.