A Simplified Hard-Switching Loss Model for Fast-Switching Three-Level T-Type SiC Bridge-Legs
OPEN ACCESS
Loading...
Author / Producer
Date
2022-06-01
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
Altmetric
OPEN ACCESS
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
Hard-switching losses in three-level T-type (3LTT) bridge-legs cannot be directly estimated from datasheet energy loss curves, which are given for symmetric two-level half-bridge configurations only. The commutations in a 3LTT bridge-leg occur between semiconductors with different blocking voltages and/or current ratings, and involve a third semiconductor device in the switching transition, which contributes additional capacitive losses. This paper, therefore, describes a simplifed approach to estimate a lower bound for the hard-switching losses of 3LTT bridge-legs (note that the approach is applicable to other three-level topolgies as well). In view of the very fast switching speeds of wide-bandgap semiconductors, the model neglects voltage/current overlap losses and considers only the dominating charge-related loss contributions (semiconductor output capacitances, body diode reverse-recovery charge), thus requiring minimal information from datasheets. A direct experimental verification with an 800 V DC-link 3LTT bridge-leg (1200 V and 650 V SiC MOSFETs) operating with output currents up to 25 A confirms the good accuracy of the simplified switching-loss model.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
11 (11)
Pages / Article No.
1686
Publisher
MDPI
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
switching losses; three-level converters; wide-bandgap semiconductors; SiC MOSFETs
Organisational unit
03573 - Kolar, Johann W. (emeritus) / Kolar, Johann W. (emeritus)