Within the altering scene of business automation and electrification, one other a part of the PDS techniques has discovered its manner into the facility drive system of {the electrical} motors in a lot of applications-ranging from robotics to conveyors, to HVAC techniques and numerous industrial pumps. On the middle of energy is the semiconductor that determines the effectivity, efficiency, measurement and price of the drive techniques.
Two of Infineon’s most generally admitted semiconductor applied sciences used on this house are:
CoolSiC, a large bandgap Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFET-based expertise and TRENCHSTOP IGBT, a mature and cost-effective IGBT expertise.
Whereas each serve the identical goal of changing and controlling electrical energy, every comes with its strengths and limitations. This text presents an in depth and data-based comparative evaluation of those two applied sciences for actual world PDS functions, touching upon effectivity, effectivity, switching efficiency, thermal traits and complete system value.
Know-how Overview
CoolSiC (SiC MOSFETs)-
CoolSiC MOSFET capitalize on the bodily options of silicon carbide, the wide-bandgap materials being recognized for its excessive thermal conductivity, excessive breakdown voltage, and low switching losses.
TRENCHSTOP IGBT-
Within the TRENCHSTOP IGBT, trench and field-stop applied sciences coalesce to allow low conduction losses and quick switching at an inexpensive worth. In conventional motor drives, this time-tested silicon-based expertise nonetheless capitalizes on sturdy operation and therefore enjoys superb price-performance within the general-purpose drives.
Benchmark Setup: Simulations and Measurements
To judge the efficiency of the 2 applied sciences, Infineon had simulated and experimentally examined them on a typical PDS structure:
Utility: 3-phase, 400 V AC, 7.5 KW motor drive
Topology: 3-level inverter
Modulation Technique: Sinusoidal PWM
Switching Frequency:
IGBT – 8KHz
CoolSic – 40 KHz
Cooling system: Passive heatsink, similar ambient situations
Load Profile: Fixed velocity, variable torque
Effectivity Comparability
Power effectivity of the drives is a urgent concern, immediately impacting vitality payments and CO₂ emissions.
| Know-how | Peak Effectivity | Common Effectivity (Load vary: 30-100%) |
| CoolSiC | 98.5% | 97.8% |
| TRENCHSTOP IGBT | 96.8% | 95.1% |
Peak effectivity of the CoolSiC inverter is round 2 % greater than that of the TRENCHSTOP answer. The upper switching frequency made for higher waveform high quality with decrease harmonics, thus inflicting motor heating and system losses.
Which means an excessive amount of saving on vitality by about 8 to 12% in the course of the lifetime of a drive, particularly in high-duty functions reminiscent of HVAC, pumps and compressors.
Switching Efficiency and Losses
Being a unipolar gadget geared up with fast-switching options, CoolSiC seems to be batter than an IGBT in activate in addition to flip off switching losses.
| Parameter | CoolSiC | TRENCHSTOP IGBT |
| Flip-on loss | ~0.3 mJ | ~2.5 mJ |
| Flip-off loss | ~0.2 mJ | ~2.0 mJ
|
| Whole switching loss per cycle | ~0.5 mJ | ~4.5 mJ
|
The losses incurred by IGBT goes by the hour at excessive switching frequencies (exceeding 20 kHz); in the meantime, CoolSiC has linear loss scaling, giving it an edge in precision motor management functions.
Thermal Conduct and Heatsink Necessities
With much less energy loss, much less is generated in thermal vitality. This reduces the warmth dissipation of the system, thus affecting the cooling requirement and the dimensions of the system.
| Metric | CoolSiC | TRENCHSTOP IGBT |
| Junction temperature | ~80°C | ~105°C |
| Required heatsink measurement | 30% smaller | Baseline |
| Cooling system complexity | Easy/passive | Extra superior |
The scale of the CoolSiC modules is considerably much less. Additionally, this risk opens the chance for fan-less or sealed enclosures, which is probably necessary in a dusty setting.
Influence on Motor Efficiency
The opportunity of CoolSiC switching at greater frequencies brings about higher sinusoidal output waveforms benefitting motor efficiency.
| Motor Efficiency Side | CoolSiC | TRENCHSTOP IGBT |
| Acoustic noise | Decrease | Greater |
| Torque ripple | Lowered | Noticeable |
| Motor temperature | Rise 8-10°C decrease | Baseline |
Utilizing CoolSiC inverters will definitely improve motor effectivity and longevity, particularly in functions involving servo drives or high-speed ones the place quick transient response and excessive precision are required.
System-Stage Value Evaluation
By way of the true value of a CoolSiC gadget is totally on per unit foundation, the story of the system value is normally fairly totally different.
| Value Factor | CoolSiC | TRENCHSTOP |
| Semiconductor value | Greater | Decrease |
| Cooling system value | Decrease | Greater |
| System measurement and weight | Smaller | Bigger |
| Whole Value of Possession (TCO, 5 12 months) | ~10–15% decrease | Baseline
|
Certainly, CoolSiC’s better vitality effectivity in lengthy responsibility cycles brings down working prices and ensures a speedy ROI and higher sustainability profile.
When to Use Which Know-how?
| Utility Sort | Beneficial Know-how | Justification |
| Excessive-speed servo drives | CoolSiC | Excessive frequency precision, low noise |
| HVAC techniques | CoolSiC | Power effectivity, compact measurement |
| Pumps and Compressors | CoolSiC | Decrease vitality consumption over time |
| Funds-sensitive drives | TRENCHSTOP IGBT | Value-effective for |
| Harsh industrial environments | CoolSIC | Excessive thermal tolerance, sturdy design |
Conclusion:
There isn’t a doubt that CoolSiC expertise from Infineon units the benchmark for the subsequent technology of business drives when it comes to effectivity, compactness and efficiency. In a high-performance, space-restricted or vitality delicate setting, SiC could make designs that are small, cool, sustainable and future-proof.
Nonetheless, to TRENCHSTOP IGBT stays the popular choice the place value issues dominate and the switching-frequency and thermal load necessities on the system are reasonable.
With the pattern of business techniques in the direction of smarter, greener and digitalized infrastructures, the utilization of vast bandgap semiconductors reminiscent of CoolSiC can farther be anticipated to develop exponentially.
