DC link active discharge is mandatory in new energy vehicles. This paper first analyzes the necessity of active discharge in automotive inverters and then introduces the commonly used discharge methods. After reviewing the pros and cons of the current methods, a new discharge solution using IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) modules WSC (Weak Short Circuit) is proposed. The essence of WSC is to make one of the shooting through IGBTs (two IGBTS forms a half bridge topology) entering into active work area by controlling its gate voltage VGE, where the short current is controlled in safe range and IGBT VCE voltage is relative large. Hence, large transient power is produced inside IGBT in this condition. By this method, the DC link capacitor energy will be consumed by the weak turned on IGBT gradually. Since the IGBT module has a dedicated cooling loop, the heat generated during discharging process can be transferred into coolant. In order to discharge the DC link capacitor safely, an optimized discharge topology is suggested in which PWM method is applied. This paper focuses on the intensive evaluation of the IGBT both steady and transient electro-thermal stress under this new discharge method. The simulation and experimental results show that this method can not only discharge the DC link capacitor fast, but also has no risk of IGBT damaging since the IGBT electric and thermal stresses are in the safe operation range during the discharge time. It is proved that this new discharging solution saves cost and is also practical for engineering.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    DC Link Capacitor Active Discharge by IGBT Weak Short Circuit


    Additional title:

    Sae Int. J. Adv. and Curr. Prac. in Mobility


    Contributors:
    Xiao, Mingkang (author) / Su, Xiezu (author) / Zhu, Yuan (author) / Wu, Zhihong (author)

    Conference:

    WCX SAE World Congress Experience ; 2019



    Publication date :

    2019-04-02


    Size :

    11 pages




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    DC Link Capacitor Active Discharge by IGBT Weak Short Circuit

    Wu, Zhihong / Su, Xiezu / Zhu, Yuan et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2019


    Controller-based active discharge circuit for discharging link capacitor

    CASCI JOHN P / GE BAOMING / WANG FAN | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access

    Active discharge circuit for link capacitor using phase leg switches

    YANG SHUITAO / ZHOU YAN / XU FAN et al. | European Patent Office | 2019

    Free access

    ACTIVE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT FOR LINK CAPACITOR USING PHASE LEG SWITCHES

    YANG SHUITAO / ZHOU YAN / XU FAN et al. | European Patent Office | 2018

    Free access

    LINK CAPACITOR DISCHARGE CIRCUIT WITH TEMPERATURE CONTROL

    WYMAN ERIC | European Patent Office | 2025

    Free access