A Multi-Physics Iterative Approach for Temperature Estimation in SiC Power Module for Electric Vehicle

Abstract:
The objective of this paper is to describe the development of a single side cooled (SSC) silicon carbide based (SiC) power module for electric vehicle traction, with a specific focus on estimating the temperature of connection bars due to thermal stress. The proposed methodology involves a two-way coupling between an electrical model (EM) and a conjugate heat transfer analysis (CHT) to accurately evaluate the heat generated by internal parasitic resistances and by power dissipation. The iterative process involved evaluating the temperature of the device under operative conditions, based on the customer's mission profile, while considering both electrical and thermal properties as a function of temperature. This approach provides a comprehensive evaluation of the device's temperature and ensures that the connection bars are operating within safe temperature limits.