FRANKFURT, Sept. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Delphi
Technologies is the first in the industry with volume production of
a 800 V silicon carbide (SiC) inverter, one of the key components
of highly efficient next-generation electric and hybrid vehicles.
The new inverter enables electrical systems up to 800 volts,
significantly extending electric vehicle (EV) range and halving
charging times compared with today's state-of-the-art 400 volt
systems.
The technology, which supports multi voltage platforms, is an
evolution of the company's proven high-voltage inverter and builds
on 25 years of vehicle electrification experience. Delphi
Technologies 800 V inverter uses state-of-the-art silicon carbide
MOSFET semiconductors (silicon carbide-based
metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor wide bandgap
technology). The company recently secured a landmark $2.7bn customer win for volume production of this
technology over eight years with a premier global OEM. Launch is
expected in 2022, initially for a high-performance vehicle
operating at up to 800 Volts.
A few days ago, the company announced that it is partnering with
Cree, a leader in silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors, to enable
next generation of electric vehicles to drive longer distances,
have faster charging times and improved efficiency. Delphi
Technologies inverters will utilize Cree's Wolfspeed® silicon
carbide-based MOSFETs.
IHS estimates that up to 45 percent of global vehicle production
will be electrified by 2025, with around 46 million electrified
vehicles being sold annually, rising to up to 57 percent by 2030
(around 62 million vehicles annually). Inverters are one of
the highest-value electrification components and their efficiency
has an industry-changing impact on many aspects of vehicle
performance.
"Doubling the voltage from today's typical 400 volts brings
a substantial range of benefits, both for the vehicle user and for
the vehicle manufacturer," explains Richard
F. Dauch, chief executive officer, Delphi Technologies. "We
have designed this technology to simplify vehicle manufacturers'
multi-voltage strategy as they extend their electric and hybrid
vehicle ranges."
At the heart of the new Delphi Technologies inverter is its
patented Viper power switch, which combines high levels of
integration with unique double-sided cooling. These critical
features allow the company to develop inverters that are 40 percent
lighter and 30 percent more compact than competitor inverter
technologies.
The latest addition to the Viper power switch range replaces
conventional silicon with silicon carbide, a high band gap
semiconductor that allows very fast switching and can operate at
even higher temperatures. "The faster switching alone will allow
faster, more compact and lighter motors that offer great efficiency
and greater range," explains Dauch. "That's in addition to the many
benefits of moving to 800 Volts."
With the new Delphi Technologies SiC inverter operating at 800
volts, vehicle engineers now have additional flexibility to
optimize other powertrain systems. Options include more range or a
smaller battery; ultra-fast charging or smaller, lighter, cheaper
cables; and greater harvesting of vehicle kinetic energy when
braking, further extending vehicle range.
The new silicon carbide Viper power switch fits into the same
inverter package as the current silicon switch, reducing
engineering costs associated with a technology change and
simplifying the design of multiple vehicle performance options.
Delphi Technologies integrated DC/DC Converter and Inverter already
provides significant savings to OEMs. Delphi Technologies
understands how to design and manufacture electronics to automotive
grade to withstand that harshness.
About Delphi Technologies
Delphi Technologies is a global provider of propulsion
technologies that make vehicles drive cleaner, better and further.
It offers pioneering solutions for internal combustion engine,
hybrid and electric passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Delphi
Technologies builds on its Original Equipment expertise to provide
leading service solutions for the aftermarket. Headquartered in
London (UK), the company operates
technical centers, manufacturing sites, customer support service
centers in 24 countries and employs more than 21,000 people around
the world. Visit www.delphi.com to learn more.
View original content to download
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delphi-technologies-new-industry-leading-800-v-sic-inverter-to-cut-ev-charging-time-in-half-300915787.html
SOURCE Delphi Technologies