Showing papers by "Juan Carlos Balda published in 2009"
TL;DR: In this paper, the design of a 300 W 100 kHz DC-DC full-bridge converter using zero-voltage zero-current switching for comparison of SiC MOSFETs and diodes is presented.
Abstract: Distributed energy resources (DERs) are becoming integral components of electric power distribution systems. In most cases, an isolated DC-DC converter forms part of the interface required to connect the DER output to the distribution system. Operation of the converter at high switching frequencies results in size reduction of passive components at the expense of increased switching losses. However, silicon carbide (SiC) power devices have the potential of operating at high switching frequencies without significant loss penalty because of their fast switching times and ability to work at high temperatures when compared to similar Si devices. SiC diodes have already displayed the ability to offer more ideal diode behavior than Si diodes. Engineering samples of SiC MOSFETs are depicting lower switching losses and conduction losses over Si MOSFETs. This display is making SiC devices attractive for DC-DC converters used to connect DERs to the distribution system. This paper particularly deals with the design of a 300 W 100 kHz DC-DC full-bridge converter using zero-voltage zero-current switching for comparison of SiC MOSFETs and diodes against Si MOSFETs and diodes.
75 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a simplified switching scheme for three-level full-bridge DC-DC converters that enables zerovoltage and zero-current switching of all the main power devices is presented.
Abstract: Multilevel DC-DC converters making use of high-frequency transformers are suitable for integration in solid-state solutions for applications in electric power distribution systems. This paper presents a simplified switching scheme for three-level full-bridge DC-DC converters that enables zero-voltage and zero-current switching of all the main power devices. It describes the main operational modes and design equations of the converter as well as provides simulation and experimental results to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed ideas.
49 citations
20 Oct 2009
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the challenges and results of fabricating a high temperature silicon carbide based integrated power module, which was tested up to 300 V bus voltage, 160 A peak current, and 250 °C junction temperature.
Abstract: This paper presents the challenges and results of fabricating a high temperature silicon carbide based integrated power module. The gate driver for the module was integrated into the power package and is rated for an ambient temperature of 250 °C. The power module was tested up to 300 V bus voltage, 160 A peak current, and 250 °C junction temperature.
45 citations
20 Apr 2009
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a solid state fault current limiter/interrupter (SSFCL) for electric ship distribution systems, which can limit fault currents to reasonable values and act more quickly, more reliably, and with a smaller form factor than conventional approaches.
Abstract: For the protection of electric ship distribution systems, it is desired that a system be developed which can limit fault currents to reasonable values and which can act more quickly, more reliably, and with a smaller form factor than conventional approaches. Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc. (APEI) is currently collaborating with researchers at the University of Arkansas (UA) to develop a solid state fault current limiter/interrupter (SSFCL) which is believed to be capable of outperforming conventional approaches. This paper summarizes the current status and objectives of this work at the time of submission.
8 citations
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: In this paper, a closed loop liquid jet/spray setup with a novel effluent/spent liquid removal system is established for large area cooling, where a 4×4 nozzle array is used to generate the spray/jet targeting the heat source area of 4 × 2 cm2.
Abstract: Jet/spray cooling is a way of efficiently removing heat from a hot surface like in the back plate for high power electronic devices. In the present work, a close loop liquid jet/spray setup with a novel effluent/spent liquid removal system is established for large area cooling. A 4×4 nozzle array is used to generate the spray/jet targeting the heat source area of 4 (2×2) cm2 . Flourinert FC-72™ is used as coolant liquid. The thermal performance data for multi-jet/spray cooling in a closed and confined system are obtained at various liquid temperatures and flow rates. The experimental work illustrates the multi-jet cooling system can reach critical heat fluxes up to 101 W/cm2 . The results showed that the heat flux is increased with liquid sub-cooled temperature and flow rates in single phase as well as in phase change zone. It is further observed that the critical heat flux (CHF) increases with liquid sub-cooled temperature and flow rates.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
5 citations
17 May 2009
TL;DR: In this paper, three SiC thyristors were attached on a common direct bond copper substrate with a copper heat spreader to form a power module and series resistances were inserted to achieve a good matching of their on-state currents.
Abstract: The need for high-voltage power semiconductor devices in utility applications ranging from isolating faults within a quarter cycle and efficient use of renewal energy resources is rapidly growing. To this end, silicon carbide thyristor power modules were fabricated and characterized electrically. In particular, three SiC thyristors were attached on a common direct bond copper substrate with a copper heat spreader to form a power module. Series resistances were inserted to achieve a good matching of their on-state currents. Experimental results revealed that this power module offered good thermal matching for parallel operation.
3 citations
20 Apr 2009
TL;DR: In this article, a power conversion module (PCM) was integrated with a double-sided spray cooling system developed to demonstrate vertical thermal management system integration, which provided capability for relatively large areas with heat fluxes above 50 W/cm2 using a dielectric fluid.
Abstract: In this work, a power conversion module (PCM) was packaged and integrated with a double-sided spray cooling system developed to demonstrate vertical thermal management system integration. The parallel design of the power electronics and thermal management system provide the capability for high power density. The spray cooling system designed provides capability for relatively large areas with heat fluxes above 50 W/cm2 using a dielectric fluid like FC72™.
3 citations