Automotive

ceramtec验证了新的电子动力电力导体模块的耐热性

Ceramic specialistCeramTechas successfully tested the cooling capabilities of its new e-mobility-focused power semiconductor module.

Developed alongsideFraunhofer IISB, the firm’s latest ceramic innovation is designed to thermally regulate the drive inverters of electric-powered vehicles. During extensive pressure testing, CeramTec says that its module showed “impressive” levels of resistance, as well as proving to be an ideal semiconductor mounting point, effectively showcasing the potential of ceramics within contemporary e-drive concepts.

“The test measurements have proven that the SiC power module with high-performance aluminium nitride ceramic cooler can withstand high loads,” said Richard Boulter, Industrial President of CeramTec. “With low thermal resistance and high packing density, the power module for drive inverters becomes a high-performance cooler for e-mobility that can be modified for specific requirements.”

The ceramic power modules. Photo via CeramTec.
CeramTec’s new power modules are designed to help optimize the performance of electric vehicle powertrains. Photo via CeramTec.

CeramTec’s technical expertise

Ceramtec的年收入为5.5亿欧元以北5.5亿欧元,是10,000人的产品,是世界领先的技术陶瓷制造商之一。由于陶瓷的独特机械性能,该公司的产品发现了广泛的应用程序,其客户来自汽车,电子和医疗领域等等。

尽管该公司的大部分投资组合与3D打印没有直接相关,但最近确实突出了importance of product diversificationin the release of its FY 2020 financials. With this in mind, CeramTec has made significant inroads into the additive manufacturing sector so far this year, via targeted additions to its software and material portfolio.

Back in February 2021, the firm launched its‘ROCAR 3D’ printing powder, which is reported to have similar properties to silicon carbide, before releasing its‘CeramCreator’ tool帮助客户简化造型workflow, and working with Fraunhofer IISB, it has now proven the potential of its ceramic offering within electric vehicle production as well.

CeramTec has reported revenue of €553 million for FY 2020. Photo via CeramTec.
CeramTec specializes in the development, manufacture and supply of technical ceramics. Photo via CeramTec.

Driving the future of e-mobility

When it comes to regulating the electrical power of so-called ‘e-drive’ powertrains, keeping their related electronics cool is essential, especially when they operate continuously in tight spaces. To make this possible, CeramTec has therefore worked with Fraunhofer IISB to develop and launch a unique ceramic-based thermal regulating solution, in the form of itsnew power module.

The unit itself was built as part of the companies’ joint ‘FuCera’ project, through which they set out to identify a cooler-based method of efficiently de-heating semiconductor chips. Ceramics, in particular, were used to create the device due to their inherent temperature, chemical and wear-resistance qualities, as well as their thermal conductivity.

Ultimately, to generate maximum power at an efficient weight, CeramTec developed a unified aluminium nitride (AlN) assembly, which it has now dubbed ‘chip-on-heatsink’ technology. By using both sides of the heatsink as carriers and coolers simultaneously, the firm has been able to produce a module with twice the thermal resistance of conventional heat management systems.

CermaTec’s novel approach has also enabled it to adapt the module’s internal geometry to incorporate a pin-fin structure, serving to increase its heat transfer surface while making it ultra-compact, thus the final product features dimensions of just 48 x 36 mm, with a thickness of 3.6 mm and weight of ten grams.

Most recently, to demonstrate the thermal performance of its module, the firm subjected it to thermal characterization evaluations using a PowerCycling test station. Results showed that the device featured a heat resistance of 0.15 K cm²/W from chip to cooling water, as well as shear strength of approximately 40 MPa, and CeramTec concluded that its module has “good sintering properties.”

最近的研究进展导致了复杂增强的3D印刷陶瓷结构的发展。通过HRL实验室照片。

陶瓷的3D打印潜力

尽管众所周知,陶瓷具有出色的热阻力特性,但它们的脆弱性通常阻止了其工业规模的部署。为了解决这个问题,已经进行了大量研究来生产更健壮的陶瓷部分,产生了诸如结构,例如HRL实验室Ceramic Matrix Composites.

鉴于陶瓷的抗菌特性,它也越来越多地用于创建增强的医疗设备和植入物。在斯科尔科沃科学技术学院, for instance, scientists have developed 3D printed ceramic-basedpatient-specific bone grafts,能够融合到有机组织中。

Researchers atShenzhen UniversitySouthwestern Institute of Physics甚至设法进行了3D打印reactor fuel-emitting ceramic structures. Designed to replace the pebble beds seen in experimental cores, the cellular devices could ultimately help advance nuclear technology towards meeting the world’s energy needs.

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Featured image shows the inside of a concept electric vehicle. Image via CeramTec.