High-power converters with high switching frequency operation using SiC-PiN diodes and Si-IEGTs

Abstract

High-frequency switching operations are required in medium-voltage power converters to realize compact power converter systems. High-voltage hybrid pair modules using SiC-PiN diodes and Si-IEGT are expected to increase the switching frequency. In this work, 4.5 kV–400 A SiC-PiN diode and Si-IEGT hybrid pair modules have been developed. Hard driving is applied to the hybrid pair module for low switching losses and stable series voltage balance between two series-connected modules. Operation tests of developed hybrid pair modules with the switching frequency of 4 kHz have been carried out in a 1 MVA class prototype power converter.