Open AccessField test of a silicon carbide metro propulsion system with reduced losses and acoustic noise
Author(s) -
Lindahl Martin,
Trostén Torbjörn,
Jansson Daniel,
Johansson Mikael H,
Velander Erik,
Blomberg Anders,
Nee HansPeter
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
iet electrical systems in transportation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.588
H-Index - 26
eISSN - 2042-9746
pISSN - 2042-9738
DOI - 10.1049/els2.12004
Subject(s) - silicon carbide , propulsion , noise (video) , materials science , aerospace engineering , field (mathematics) , engineering , acoustics , automotive engineering , engineering physics , composite material , physics , computer science , mathematics , artificial intelligence , pure mathematics , image (mathematics)
Results are reported from a successful field test with a silicon carbide (SiC) metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) traction inverter. The train has been operated over a 3‐month period in the Stockholm metro system. Increased traction inverter power density has been achieved, with volume and weight reductions of 51% and 25%, respectively. Lower power losses permit the use of car motion cooling. A sound pressure level reduction of 9 dB(A) was measured in the field with the higher inverter switching frequency permitted by using SiC. Complementing tests have been performed in the laboratory to compare thermal performance of silicon and SiC in the same power semiconductor housing. Propulsion system power losses are reduced by 19% with SiC. Acoustic noise reductions while increasing switching frequency are also reported.