Rockwell receives SiC power switch contract
A major objective of the program is to develop SiC power switches with fast switching speeds for use in power conversion in miniaturized megawatt power systems. These high efficiency switches are expected to have a power of 12 kV and handle currents approaching 25 A, and are critical to electrical systems for future hybrid-electric combat vehicles, naval ship propulsion and electric aircraft applications.
The technology is also expected to have commercial applications in the automotive industry in the form of hybrid-electric cars and high-voltage drives for heavy equipment, in addition to electric utilities, including power generators.
Rockwell Scientific will lead a program team that includes technical participation from CFD Research Corporation, Boeing and Rockwell Automation. The program will develop, produce, and test modular, high power density, SiC power modules with an innovative cooling design to achieve a high heat flux removal. Integration of thermal management in module packages will also be considered.
