Power electronics based on gallium nitride (GaN) or silicon carbide enable more efficient and compact drives for industry and mobility – with particularly high demands on dynamics and reliability. In the joint research project “PowerCare,” three Fraunhofer Institutes are pooling their expertise to research a novel, miniaturized motor controller with integrated real-time failure prediction, which will enable a shorter time to market for novel power electronics in mission-critical applications.

The customer-specific controller combines integrated fault prediction for both the inverter electronics and the motor, using a domain-specific RISC-V processor.

At PCIM, we will provide insight into the system concepts for modeling the degradation of power electronics and motors in electric drive systems. In addition, we will highlight the possibilities and application scenarios of vertical GaN MOSFETs and intelligent motor controls and present initial development results.

What will we take home with us?

Efficiency: GaN in FOC-controlled motors - Lower power losses in motors and less heat generation - Smaller passive elements (higher current carrying capacity and switching frequencies) - Improved power quality (fewer harmonics)

Reliability: Major challenges for the industry – Reliability and maintenance costs as the most important industrial constraints for novel power components – Semiconductors and capacitors are most susceptible to failure and cause > 50% of unplanned maintenance costs)