Performance of wide band gap switching devices in DC/DC converters of electric vehicles

Abstract

Low losses fast switching wide band gap (WBG) semiconductors, such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), are becoming viable candidates for DC/DC converters switches in the powertrain of electric vehicle (EV). Thanks to the technology advancements, WBG power transistors are available now in the market with competing loss levels. In this research, the need for such devices to boost the system efficiency for extended vehicle mileage is justified. Case studies comparing the performance of the available options are presented, for the first time. The performance, motoring and regenerative braking, is studied at different junction temperatures. The results reported higher power density and increased car mileage using WBG semiconductors. These findings were consistent in automotive Nissan Leaf electric vehicle (NLEV) case and a Bombardier metro rail car, to provide the authentication of the developed plug-and-play model. Simulation and Experimental results were given to highlight the merits of the work.