Cryogenic Power Conversion Systems: The next step in the evolution of power electronics technology

Rajashekara, Kaushik; Akin, Bilal

doi:10.1109/mele.2013.2282195

Cited by 50 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…Comparing to high-temperature applications, the cryogenic applications shows higher requirements for the avalanche reliability of power switches due to wide temperature range, high system integration, and difficult-to-replace components [22]- [23]. Although the static and dynamic characteristics of SiC MOSFET are analyzed under cryogenic condition [24]- [25], the avalanche performance of SiC MOSFETs has been rarely analyzed at cryogenic temperature.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comprehensive Assessment of Avalanche Operating Boundary of SiC Planar/Trench MOSFET in Cryogenic Applications

Yang

et al. 2021

IEEE Trans. Power Electron.

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The avalanche ruggedness of power devices becomes a crucial issue to ensure the safe operation of the power conversion systems, particularly under the extreme temperature conditions. In this paper, the avalanche capability of SiC planar/trench MOSFETs is systematically evaluated and analyzed over the temperature range of 90 to 340 K. Importantly, the essential mechanisms and temperature dependence of avalanche failure under cryogenic conditions are further explored by combining many analysis methods such as TCAD simulations, the unclamped inductive switching characterizations, and the transient junction temperature prediction. The highest avalanche energy density of 171.24 mJ/mm 2 at 90K indicates the great application potential of SiC planner MOSFET in cryogenic electronics. Moreover, the safe avalanche operation boundary (AOB) model is established over the cryogenic temperature range. The relevant analysis method and AOB model can be used to accurately evaluate and quantitatively predict the avalanche capability of SiC planar/trench MOSFETs for the cryogenic converter design.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comprehensive Assessment of Avalanche Operating Boundary of SiC Planar/Trench MOSFET in Cryogenic Applications

Yang

et al. 2021

IEEE Trans. Power Electron.

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“…It should also be noted that the cryogenic operation of the power electronic switches like MOSFET has promising prospects because their reduced on‐state resistances and improved energy efficiencies are better than the situations in the room temperature [33–35]. In particular, this so‐called cryogenic power conversion is well suited to combine with our proposed superconducting inductor device which already has been using the proper self‐contained cryogenic environments [36–38]. In addition to the significant efficiency improvement achieved by the uses of superconducting inductor and cryogenic power electronic switches, this emerging cryogenic power conversion technology also has the several accessary advantages as follows [21]: (1) Elimination of large‐volume and heavy‐weight drawbacks in conventional air or water cooled devices; (2) elimination of potential overheating risks in MOSFETs; (3) permission of high current and power ratings.…”

Section: Practical Prototype Design and Cost Estimationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition to the significant efficiency improvement achieved by the uses of superconducting inductor and cryogenic power electronic switches, this emerging cryogenic power conversion technology also has the several accessary advantages as follows [21]: (1) Elimination of large-volume and heavy-weight drawbacks in conventional air or water cooled devices; (2) elimination of potential overheating risks in MOSFETs; (3) permission of high current and power ratings. Therefore, based on experimental and theoretical analyses on the high-efficiency superconducting inductor in this paper, and the loss characteristics of cryogenic power electronic switches in the literatures [33][34][35][36][37][38], there would be further balance and optimization of the operating parameters of superconductor elements and semiconductor devices in various cryogenic power conversion systems, with proper design guidelines [39][40][41].…”

Section: Practical Prototype Design and Cost Estimationmentioning

confidence: 99%

An ultra‐low‐loss superconducting inductor for power electronic circuits

Chen

Gou

Chen

et al. 2022

IET Power Electronics

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To break through the bottlenecks of the loss and size of conventional conductors and magnetic materials, replacing copper inductors by zero‐resistance superconducting inductors can be a promising solution. The experimental, theoretical and numerical investigations into the loss characteristics of an air‐core superconducting inductor have been carried out. All these results show that the loss from a superconducting inductor in the boost chopper circuit was reduced remarkably up to 373 times smaller than the loss from the magnetic‐core copper inductor having the same conditions. Moreover, the actual volume and weight of the superconducting inductor are only 5.61% and 10.97% of those of the copper inductor having the same inductance and current capacities. Advanced numerical models have been built to verify the experiments that their results of superconducting losses as well as the current and frequency dependencies are well matched. A compact, low‐loss and low‐cost cryostat has been designed to accommodate the superconducting inductor, which can further improve the practicability for superconducting inductor to be equipped into various power electronic applications. The superconducting inductor can lead power electronic devices towards ultra‐high‐efficiency power conversion.

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“…Cryogenic power electronics have earlier been proposed to increase the power density of energy conversion systems [18]. Silicon MOSFET switching devices have already shown efficiency improvements when running at cryogenic temperatures (77 K) [19], however, that is still not the case for Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs [20].…”

Section: Cold and Cryogenic Power Electronics (Cpe)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Next-Generation Cryo-Electric Hydrogen-Powered Aviation

Nøland¹,

Hartmann²,

Mellerud³

2021

Preprint

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Hydrogen-powered airplanes have recently attracted a revitalized push in the aviation sector to combat CO2 emissions. However, to also reduce, or even eliminate, non-CO2 emissions and contrails, the combination of hydrogen with all-electric solutions is undoubtedly the best option to move toward the ambitious goal of climate-neutral aviation. Another important design choice is to store hydrogen cryogenically in its liquid form (LH2) to reduce space occupation compared to storage as compressed gas. However, the LH2 fuels cannot be utilized directly in fuel cells. It needs to be brought from liquid to a gas at about 350 K, where large amounts of heat must be added. Thus, a synergy can be made from this otherwise wasted cryogenic refrigeration power where superconducting machines (SCMs) and cold power electronics (CPE) are low-hanging fruits that could lead to radical space and weight reductions onboard the aircraft. These opportunities can be realized without having to pay the price, nor the volume occupation and mass needed for the cooling ability usually needed to achieve these extraordinary performances. In fact, this ground-breaking synergy makes cryogenic energy conversion relevant in a whole new way for aviation. The SCMs’ more than five times higher power densities than their conventional counterparts are exceptionally significant. This article introduces the recently proposed cryo-electric drivetrain initiatives and explores the opportunities of using direct hydrogen cooling as a potential heating solution to enhance the overall performance and scalability of zero-emission propulsion systems in future regional aircraft.

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Cryogenic Power Conversion Systems: The next step in the evolution of power electronics technology

Cited by 50 publications

References 60 publications

Comprehensive Assessment of Avalanche Operating Boundary of SiC Planar/Trench MOSFET in Cryogenic Applications

Comprehensive Assessment of Avalanche Operating Boundary of SiC Planar/Trench MOSFET in Cryogenic Applications

An ultra‐low‐loss superconducting inductor for power electronic circuits

Next-Generation Cryo-Electric Hydrogen-Powered Aviation

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