High-Efficiency Three-Phase Inverter with SiC MOSFET Power Modules for Motor-Drive Applications

This paper presents the design process of a 312 kVA three-phase silicon carbide inverter using ten parallel-connected metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor power modules in each phase-leg. The design processes of the gate-drive circuits with short-circuit protection and the power circuit layout are also presented. Electrical measurements in order to evaluate the performance of the gate-drive circuits have been performed using a double-pulse setup. Experimental results showing the electrical performance during steady-state operation of the power converter are also shown. Taking into account measured data, an efficiency of approximately 99.3% at the rated power has been estimated for the inverter.