Evaluation of thermal performance of automotive inverter with laminar busbars

Abstract

The paper deals with traction inverters used in the field of electromobility, while the focus of the study is, investigation of the thermal performance, when laminar busbars are used. Initially the specifications on the circuit configuration are being discussed. It is then followed by the component selection, while considering main circuit components, the DC link capacitor and power transistor modules represent essential parts for inverter design. Investigation of thermal performance is realized for semiconductor module, and busbars. For this purpose, the simulation model was developed, which contains all required definitions for investigation. With the use of simulation model, it is possible to study the influence of various circuit components, busbar geometry and the ways how they influence the thermal performance of the converter because of electric current flow.