High-functionality compact intelligent power unit (IPU) for EV/HEV applications

A new high-functionality compact integrated Intelligent Power drive Unit (IPU) for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles (EV/HEV) is introduced in this paper for the first time. The IPU utilizes low-loss, rugged 5^th Generation Sub-μ planar IGBT and ultra soft-recovery FWDi chips, and, in addition to various control functions, the IPU integrates a specially designed solid DC-Link capacitor. Through parts counts reduction and high functional integration, the newly developed IPU achieves an overall inverter system size and weight reduction of about 40-60% when compared with conventional systems. The IPU thus provides EV/HEV applications with high-efficiency, high-functionality, and high-reliability compact inverter systems