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This paper presents a novel high-frequency split phase SiC inverter suitable for vehicular power generators. Electrification of vehicles such as recreational vehicles (RV's), fire trucks, and media/telecommunication vans requiring variable-speed generators and power electronics are discussed. Two inverters, designed using commerciall y available ali-SiC MOSFET and Si IGBT power modules, are built and tested to compare their electrical and thermal performances. PSIM models of the SiC MOSFET and Si IGBT inverters are developed to estimate the power losses of the split-phase inverter topolog y . For a given low-cost air-cooling s y stem designed using extruded aluminum heatsink with limited air flow of 300 CFM, the thermal performance of two inverters using an SiC MOSFET and an Si IGBT power module are evaluated to estimate their output power capabilities. For this predefined air-cooling s y stem, the simulation, experimental, and thermal analyses show that SiC MOSFET inverter offers 40% more output power at 14 kW compared with 10 kW of Si IGBT inverter when switched at 20 kHz. Furthermore, for an 8 kW split-phase inverter design, losses in 40 kHz SiC module are evaluated to estimate the size and cost reduction of the output filter inductor to demonstrate the commercialization potential of wide bandgap (WBG) power electronics for mobile power generators in transportation. Keywords-inverters, split-phase output, SiC MOSFET inverter, WBG components, high-frequency inverter, RV inverter The variable-speed generator uses an inverter with output fIlter to produce single-phase 120 Vnns, 60 Hz sinewave output. In applications where split-phase 120/240 Vrms is required, two inverters are usually used with each inverter having a four switch power module and with a double winding arrangement of the alternator. This paper presents a novel split-phase inverter for mobile power generators. The proposed inverter uses a single 6-switch power module instead of two 4-switch power modules required for the two-stage inverter design to produce split-phase output confIguration. The arrival of commercially available SiC power devices has enabled researchers to explore the benefIts of wide band gap (WBG) components at the device level [6]-[9] and at the converter or system level [10]-[17].

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Design and experimental results of a scalable and modular aircooled power inverter using commercial SiC power MOSFETs are reported. Compared to the well-established silicon IGBT power inverter, the new SiC power MOSFET inverter offers 40% more output power and 4% higher efficiency for a 10kW, 20kHz aircooled design. A detailed design and performance tradeoff is presented from a system-level perspective in terms of cost/kW for SiC inverter for vehicle electrification and power generation applications. The design is based on a simple circuit simulation model developed from measurements made on commercially available packaged discrete SiC power MOSFETs.

Experimental modal analysis is used to measure the dynamic characteristics of a structure. Traditionally, excitation is provided with either a shaker or an impulse hammer. An alternative approach is to use power electronics for powering the generator; generating a torque impulse. This torque excitation replicates much of the engine's excitation, emphasizing the vibrational modes that are assorted with the generator set's transmitted vibration. Basic system setup for modal analysis using torque impulse, comparison with conventional impulse hammer test, and illustrations of some of the flexibilities inherent in torque impact testing are included.