Highly integrated power electronics for a 48 V hybrid drive application

This paper represents the prototype inverter, which is designed for 48 V belt-drive unit with enhanced hybrid functionalities. A pure electric drive mode for low speed range is possible in addition to the classical hybrid operation modes like internal combustion engine start, recuperation and boosting. Electric machine and inverter are combined in a compact drive unit where the inverter is axially attached to the electrical machine. The entire unit is intended to be installed into the engine compartment and integrated in the combustion engine cooling circuit. The paper is focused on thermal design of the inverter which was constructed using standard electronic components and materials. Furthermore first experimental results of the thermal behavior of the inverter prototype are introduced.