Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Modulating”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Modeling and Validation of Performance Limitations for the Optimal Design of Interferometric and Intensity-Modulated Fiber Optic Displacement Sensors [Dissertation]

Optical fiber sensors offer advantages over traditional electromechanical sensors, making them particularly well-suited for certain measurement applications. Generally speaking, optical fiber sensors respond to a desired measurand through modulation of an optical signal’s intensity, phase, or wavelength. Practically, non-contacting fiber optic displacement sensors are limited to intensity-modulated and interferometric (or phase-modulated) methodologies. Intensity-modulated fiber optic displacement sensors relate target displacement to a power measurement. The simplest intensity-modulated sensor architectures are not robust to environmental and hardware fluctuations, since such variability may cause changes in the measured power level that falsely indicate target displacement. Differential intensity-modulated sensors have been implemented, offering robustness to such intensity fluctuations, and the speed of these sensors is limited only by the combined speed of the photodetection hardware and the data acquisition system (kHz-GHz). The primary disadvantages of intensity-modulated sensing are the relatively low accuracy (μm-mm for low-power sensors) and the lack of robustness, which consequently must be designed, often with great difficulty, into the sensor’s architecture. White light interferometric displacement sensors, on the other hand, offer increased accuracy and robustness. Unlike their monochromatic-interferometer counterparts, white light interferometric sensors offer absolute, unambiguous displacement measurements over large displacement ranges (cm for low-power, 5 mW, sources), necessitating no initial calibration, and requiring no environmental or feedback control. The primary disadvantage of white light interferometric displacement sensors is that their utility in dynamic testing scenarios is limited, both by hardware bandwidth and by their inherent high-sensitivity to Doppler-effects. The decision of whether to use either an intensity-modulated interferometric sensor depends on an appropriate performance function (e.g., desired displacement range, accuracy, robustness, etc.). In this dissertation, the performance limitations of a bundled differential intensity-modulated displacement sensor are analyzed, where the bundling configuration has been designed to optimize performance. The performance limitations of a white light Fabry-Perót displacement sensor are also analyzed. Both these sensors are non-contacting, but they have access to different regions of the performance-space. Further, both these sensors have different degrees of sensitivity to experimental uncertainty. Made in conjunction with careful analysis, the decision of which sensor to deploy need not be an uninformed one.

Engineering(42)↗
DOE OSTI2018

Comparative Angle of Incidence Characterization of Utility Grade Photovoltaic Modules

Angle of incidence response of a photovoltaic module describes its light gathering capability when incident sunlight is at an orientation other than normal to the module's surface. At low incident angles (i.e. close to normal), most modules have similar responses. However, at increasing incident angles, reflective losses dominate response and relative module performance becomes differentiated. Relative performance in this range is important for understanding the potential power output of utility - scale ph otovoltaic systems. In this report, we document the relative angle of incidence response of four utility - grade panels to each other and to four First Solar modules. We found that response was nearly identical between all modules up to an incident angle of ~55°. At higher angles, differences of up to 5% were observed. A module from Yingli was the best performing commercial module while a First Solar test module with a non - production anti - reflective coating was the best overall performer. This page left blank

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Nishati Prototype 72-Cell Endurance Modules (Test Report)

US Manufacturer Nishati provided three prototype, 72-cell photovoltaic modules to Sandia for characterization under the US Department of Energy Small Business Voucher program. Nishati is developing the Endurance © product to address the stringent requirements associated with PV system installations sited near airports and military bases. These prototype modules are uniquely constructed of a polymeric matrix and an internal honeycomb structural element. Target features of the module design are reduced reflectivity from the front surface and reduced weight. Sandia applied a variety of in-house characterization methods to these modules with the goal of validating performance and identifying any areas for improvement. Reflectance testing revealed extremely low specular reflection, dramatically surpassing the performance of industry standard PV panels. Electrical performance testing validated performance in line with expectations for similar size and power class modules. Complimentary to reflection testing, outdoor angle of incidence testing indicated performance far exceeding expectations for industry standard PV panels. It is possible that the extremely low reflectance properties of these modules will convey an advantage in annual energy production in comparison to industry standard modules. Detailed performance modeling and experimental field validation would be required to verify this possible advantage. During the course of this testing, no obvious deficiencies in this module design were discovered. It is recommended that Nishati and Sandia proceed to the final Task associated with the SBV award. This final task will involve fielding modules at Sandia for reliability and energy production validation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

High Temperature Optocoupler for 3D High Density Power Modules

The goal of this proposed research is to develop a reliable high-temperature optocouplers, which can operate at 250°C with at least ten-year lifetime, and replace isolation transforms as the galvanic isolation solution for the 3D integration of high density power modules. The electrification of future transportations (i.e., electric vehicles) will continuously drive the demand for high density power modules. Optocouplers (i.e., packaged light emitter and detector) as a promising candidate to replace bulky isolation transformers are highly desirable to facilitate the continuous scale-down of gate driver circuitry that will lead to 3D high density power modules and achieve disruptive performance in terms of thermal management, power density, power efficiency, reliability and operating environments. However, regular semiconductor optoelectronic materials and devices have significant difficulty functioning in the harsh environments designated for high density power module usage (such as operation at high temperatures). Ultimately, it is not the intrinsic properties of power devices that prevent their use at higher temperatures, but rather the low voltage electronics needed to drive them and the packaging that surrounds them. The typical operating temperature for optocouplers is only up to 100°C, due to the limitations of light emitting diode (LED) devices inside and packaging materials. A systematic characterization methodology will be developed to analyze the performance, lifetime and reliability of LED devices and distinguish multiple failure mechanisms at high temperatures. An original methodology of “design for reliability” will be developed to design the optoelectronic devices with high reliability and long lifetime at high temperatures. A new architecture of high temperature high reliable optocouplers will be developed, fabricated and demonstrated with continuous operating at 250°C. The development of efficient, reliable high density 3D power modules is the foundation for energy efficiency and energy reliability. Enabled with advanced 3D integration and packaging technologies, high density power module solutions can achieve much more superior performance over the conventional discrete solutions in terms of efficiency, thermal management and power density. The proposed concept of high temperature optocouplers as the galvanic isolation solution for high density power modules will bring together interdisciplinary research involving the wide bandgap materials, optoelectronics, high reliable device design, electronics packaging and power modules. A streamline of skilled personnel would be trained including graduate and undergraduate students, local engineers and scientists which are in great demand to both academia and optoelectronics industry. The proposed research topics, such as, solid state lighting and high temperature device reliability, are currently of major interest at the Department of Energy, in particular, Sandia National Laboratories. This project can enhance collaborations between the University of Arkansas (UA) and Sandia National Laboratories. The findings of the proposed research are expected to be integrated into high density 3-D power modules at the Engineering Research Center for Power Optimization for Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS).

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

PV module spectral response measurements - Data and Resources

"This dataset includes spectral response curves for 12 commercial silicon module types that are deployed at SNL in Albuquerque. The modules chosen for evaluation were originally purchased by SNL for the PV Lifetime project (renamed to Systems Long-Term Evaluation [SLTE]). The majority of those modules are deployed outdoors for long-term evaluation, but several modules of each type were placed in storage for future comparison purposes. One stored module of each type was sent to NREL for the spectral response measurements. NREL used the recently developed Module Quantum Efficiency (QE) test bed. What makes this system unique is that it scans the entire module automatically, taking one or more measurements on each cell. Using the mean of these measurements at each wavelength leads to improvements in spectral mismatch correction and module power measurements but having the individual measurements also makes it possible to identify outlier cells, which could be useful for investigating underperforming modules. All measurements were performed nominally at 25°C"

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Modeling and Validation of Performance Limitations for the Optimal Design of Interferometric and Intensity-Modulated Fiber Optic Displacement Sensors

Optical fiber sensors offer advantages over traditional electromechanical sensors, making them particularly well-suited for certain measurement applications. Generally speaking, optical fiber sensors respond to a desired measurand through modulation of an optical signal's intensity, phase, or wavelength. Practically, non-contacting fiber optic displacement sensors are limited to intensity-modulated and interferometric (or phase-modulated) methodologies. Intensity-modulated fiber optic displacement sensors relate target displacement to a power measurement. The simplest intensity-modulated sensor architectures are not robust to environmental and hardware fluctuations, since such variability may cause changes in the measured power level that falsely indicate target displacement. Differential intensity-modulated sensors have been implemented, offering robustness to such intensity fluctuations, and the speed of these sensors is limited only by the combined speed of the photodetection hardware and the data acquisition system (kHz-MHz). The primary disadvantages of intensity-modulated sensing are the relatively low accuracy (?m-mm for low-power sensors) and the lack of robustness, which consequently must be designed, often with great difficulty, into the sensor's architecture. White light interferometric displacement sensors, on the other hand, offer increased accuracy and robustness. Unlike their monochromatic-interferometer counterparts, white light interferometric sensors offer absolute, unambiguous displacement measurements over large displacement ranges (cm for low-power, 5 mW, sources), necessitating no initial calibration, and requiring no environmental or feedback control. The primary disadvantage of white light interferometric displacement sensors is that their utility in dynamic testing scenarios is limited, both by hardware bandwidth and by their inherent high-sensitivity to Doppler-effects. The decision of whether to use either an intensity-modulated interferometric sensor depends on an appropriate performance function (e.g., desired displacement range, accuracy, robustness, etc.). In this dissertation, the performance limitations of a bundled differential intensity-modulated displacement sensor are analyzed, where the bundling configuration has been designed to optimize performance. The performance limitations of a white light Fabry-Perot displacement sensor are also analyzed. Both these sensors are non-contacting, but they have access to different regions of the performance-space. Further, both these sensors have different degrees of sensitivity to experimental uncertainty. Made in conjunction with careful analysis, the decision of which sensor to deploy need not be an uninformed one.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Hybrid memory module bridge network and buffers

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for implementing a hybrid memory module bridge network and buffers are disclosed. A system includes one or more host processors and multiple memory modules. Each memory module includes a relatively low pin count, high-bandwidth serial link to one or more other memory modules to perform inter-memory data transfers without consuming host-memory bandwidth. In one embodiment, a first memory module acts as a cache and a second memory module acts as the main memory for the system. The traffic between the host and the first memory module utilizes a first interface, and the cache traffic between the first and second memory modules utilizes a second interface. Cache line fill and writeback transfers between the first and second memory modules occur in parallel with timing-critical cache demand accesses from the host, in a latency-tolerant and buffered manner, without interfering with the cache demand accesses.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2012

Packaging, Transportation and Recycling of NPP Condenser Modules - 12262

Perma-Fix was awarded contract from Energy Northwest for the packaging, transportation and disposition of the condenser modules, water boxes and miscellaneous metal, combustibles and water generated during the 2011 condenser replacement outage at the Columbia Generating Station. The work scope was to package the water boxes and condenser modules as they were removed from the facility and transfer them to the Perma-Fix Northwest facility for processing, recycle of metals and disposition. The condenser components were oversized and overweight (the condenser modules weighed ∼102,058 kg [225,000 lb]) which required special equipment for loading and transport. Additional debris waste was packaged in inter-modals and IP-1 boxes for transport. A waste management plan was developed to minimize the generation of virtually any waste requiring landfill disposal. The Perma-Fix Northwest facility was modified to accommodate the ∼15 m [50-ft] long condenser modules and equipment was designed and manufactured to complete the disassembly, decontamination and release survey. The condenser modules are currently undergoing processing for free release to a local metal recycler. Over three millions pounds of metal will be recycled and over 95% of the waste generated during this outage will not require land disposal. There were several elements of this project that needed to be addressed during the preparation for this outage and the subsequent packaging, transportation and processing. - Staffing the project to support 24/7 generation of large components and other wastes. - The design and manufacture of the soft-sided shipping containers for the condenser modules that measured ∼15 m X 4 m X 3 m [50 ft X 13 ft X 10 ft] and weighed ∼102,058 kg [225,000 lbs] - Developing a methodology for loading the modules into the shipping containers. - Obtaining a transport vehicle for the modules. - Designing and modifying the processing facility. - Movement of the modules at the processing facility. If any of these issues were not adequately resolved prior to the start of the outage, costly delays would result and the re-start of the power plant could be impacted. The main focus of this project was to find successful methods for keeping this material out of the landfills and preserving the natural resources. In addition, this operation provided a significant cost savings to the public utility by minimizing landfill disposal. The onsite portion of the project has been completed without impact to the overall outage schedule. By the date of presentation, the majority of the waste from the condenser replacement project will have been processed and recycled. The goals for this project included helping Energy Northwest maintain the outage schedule, package and characterize waste compliantly, perform transportation activities in compliance with 49CFR (Ref-1), and minimize the waste disposal volume. During this condenser replacement project, over three millions pounds of waste was generated, packaged, characterized and transported without injury or incident. It is anticipated that 95% of the waste generated during this project will not require landfill disposal. All of the waste is scheduled to be processed, decontaminated and recycled by June of 2012. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Coordinated Compensation Strategy for Module-Mismatch of CHB-PV Systems Based on Improved LS-PWM and Reactive Power Injection

Here, the cascaded H-bridge (CHB) converter has become a promising candidate topology for utility-scale photovoltaic systems thanks to merits like modular structure, distributed maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and direct distribution grid access without medium-voltage transformers, etc. However, module-mismatches arising from non-ideal elements like partial shading and parameter variations pose a technical challenge for such systems. If not dealt with properly, module-mismatches can lead to adverse effects like unbalanced dc-link voltages of the modules, distortion of grid current, reduced power generation, etc. Conventional methods, such as reactive power compensation and level-shifted pulse-width modulation (LS-PWM) based compensation, can alleviate this issue, but their performances are still limited by the allowable modulation range of power converters. In this paper, a compensation strategy combining reactive power compensation with a novel modulation method is proposed to extend the operating range in terms of module mismatch. Experimental results on a 2.4kW/208V single-phase setup are presented and have demonstrated that the proposed method can not only ride through a larger range of module-mismatches but also improve solar power utilization and system efficiency owing to reduced switching events, non-compromised MPPT, and less required reactive power.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

Application of electrically invisible antennas to the Modulated Scatterer Technique

The modulated scatterer technique (MST) has shown promise for applications in microwave imaging, electric field mapping, and materials characterization. Traditionally, MST scatterers are dipoles centrally loaded with an element capable of modulation (e.g., a p-i-n diode). By modulating the load element, signals scattered from the MST scatterer are also modulated. However, due to the small size of such scatterers, it can be difficult to reliably detect the modulated signal. Increasing the modulation depth (MD; a parameter related to how well the scatterer modulates the scattered signal) may improve the detectability of the scattered signal. In an effort to improve the MD, the concept of electrically invisible antennas is applied to the design of MST scatterers. Our paper presents simulations and measurements of MST scatterers that have been designed to be electrically invisible during the reverse bias state of the modulated element (a p-i-n diode in this case), while producing detectable scattering during the forward bias state (i.e., operate in an electrically visible state). Furthermore, the results using the new design show significant improvement to the MD of the scattered signal as compared with a traditional MST scatterer (i.e., dipole centrally loaded with a p-i-n diode).

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2012

Droop Compensation for the High Voltage Converter Modulators at the Spallation Neutron Source.

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) has been in operation since 2006 and routinely operates at 1 MW of beam power. At 1 MW, the High Voltage Converter Modulators (HVCMs) are delivering 8-11 MW pulsed power to the Klystrons for up to 1185 us at 60 Hz. The pulsed output of the modulator has a substantial voltage droop operating in open-loop mode. Achieving 1.4 MW operations require an increase in the output pulse width of the HVCM, resulting in loss of LLRF control margin due to modulator voltage reduction at the end of the pulse. Initially, the HVCM was designed with a pulse width modulation scheme for droop compensation but early operations at full duty revealed this technique unreliable. Increasing the output voltage of the modulator would likely compromise system reliability. This paper proposes the use of alternate modulation schemes to address the voltage droop. The effect of frequency modulation and phase modulation on voltage droop is studied. Experimental results will also be presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Field‐Relevant Degradation Mechanisms in Metal Halide Perovskite Modules

Field testing, failure analysis, and understanding of degradation mechanisms are essential to advancing metal halide perovskite (MHP) photovoltaic (PV) technology toward commercialization. Here, we present performance data from up to 1 year of outdoor testing of MHP modules in Golden, Colorado. The module encapsulation architecture and encapsulant materials have a significant impact on module reliability, with modules containing a polyolefin elastomer (POE) in addition to a desiccated polyisobutylene (PIB) edge seal outlasting modules with only a PIB edge seal or PIB blanket. Nondestructive and destructive characterization of the field-tested modules points to module scribes and interfaces as areas of potential mechanical weakness and chemical migration, resulting in shunt pathways and increased series resistance. Finally, indoor accelerated stress testing with light and elevated temperatures is performed, demonstrating failure with similar scribe degradation signatures as compared to the field-tested modules. In conclusion, under both outdoor testing and light and elevated temperature conditions, electrochemical corrosion between the copper electrode and the mobile iodine ions appeared dominant, with a significant progression at the scribes that is speculated to result from an interplay between the initial laser damage and joule heating from enhanced ion diffusion under bias.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Particle and crystallite size effects on the modulated structure of multiferroic CaMn{sub 7}O{sub 12}

A systematic study of the atomic position modulation in polycrystalline CaMn{sub 7}O{sub 12} with different particle sizes (determined from scanning electron microscopy) and crystallite sizes (determined from X-ray diffraction) is reported. The morphology and phase composition are characterised by scanning electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The crystal structure and the atomic position modulation in polycrystalline CaMn{sub 7}O{sub 12} samples are explored with high-resolution synchrotron radiation based powder X-ray diffraction. The modulation vector and the modulation amplitudes observed at T=10 K do not change as a function of particle size, crystallite size and microstrain fluctuations. In addition, we report and discuss the formation of the additional CaMn{sub 4}O{sub 8} nanowire phase during high temperature annealing. - Graphical abstract: The particle size morphology of the multiferroic CaMn{sub 7}O{sub 12} has a weak influence on the atomic position modulation length and the amplitude of the atomic position modulation below T=250 K. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Atomic position modulation occurs in CaMn{sub 7}O{sub 12} with different particle sizes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The modulation length is the same for different CaMn{sub 7}O{sub 12} particle sizes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nanowire shaped crystals of CaMn{sub 4}O{sub 8} can be synthesized.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Influences of impedance matching network on pulse-modulated radio frequency atmospheric pressure glow discharges

Pulse-modulated RF atmospheric pressure glow discharges (APDGs) were investigated in recent years to reduce the thermal accumulation and extend the operation region of the stable alpha glow mode. Different pulse-modulated voltage and current waveforms were acquired in previous experiments, but no attention was paid to the interpretation. We investigated this issue and associated phenomenon via positive and negative feedback effects derived from varying the series capacitor in the inversely L-shaped matching network used in our pulse-modulated RF APGD source. The evolutions of pulse-modulated RF waveforms were found to be associated with the feedback region and the pulsed plasma absorbed RF power. In the positive feedback region, pulse-modulated RF APGDs are relatively stable. In the negative feedback region, wide spikes as well as undershoots occur in RF voltage and current waveforms and the plasma absorbed RF power. In case of a high RF power discharge with a low modulation frequency, the pulse-modulated RF APGD is extinguished and re-ignited due to the enhanced undershoot during the initial pulse phase. The pulse-modulated RF APGD can transit from positive to negative feedback region in a range of series capacitance. Experimental results are discussed by the aid of equivalent circuit, negative and positive feedback effects.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

MODULATION OF GALACTIC ELECTRONS IN THE HELIOSPHERE DURING THE UNUSUAL SOLAR MINIMUM OF 2006–2009: A MODELING APPROACH

The last solar minimum activity period, and the consequent minimum modulation conditions for cosmic rays, was unusual. The highest levels of Galactic protons were recorded at Earth in late 2009 in contrast to expectations. A comprehensive model was used to study the proton modulation for the period from 2006 to 2009 in order to determine what basic processes were responsible for solar modulation during this period and why it differs from proton modulation during previous solar minimum modulation periods. This established model is now applied to studying the solar modulation of electron spectra as observed for 80 MeV–30 GeV by the PAMELA space detector from mid-2006 to the end of 2009. Over this period the heliospheric magnetic field had decreased significantly until the end of 2009 while the waviness of the heliospheric current sheet decreased moderately and the observed electron spectra increased by a factor of ∼1.5 at 1.0 GeV to ∼3.5 at 100 MeV. In order to reproduce the modulation evident from seven consecutive semesters, the diffusion coefficients had to increase moderately while maintaining the basic rigidity dependence. It is confirmed that the main diffusion coefficients are independent of rigidity below ∼0.5 GV, while the drift coefficient had to be reduced below this value. The 2006–2009 solar minimum epoch indeed was different than previously observed minima, at least since the beginning of the space exploration era. This period could be called “diffusion-dominated” as was also found for the modulation of protons.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Validation of Advanced Photovoltaic Module Materials and Processes by Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing (C-AST)

Tessolar module technology was developed to allow the incorporation of 5 incremental module material innovations. Combined, these innovations may improve the efficiency and durability of the standard silicon cell module. The innovations evaluated are: electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) replacing soldering of tabbing ribbons, light-capturing ribbon (LCR), silicone encapsulant, 2 mm front glass with backsheet, and a polymer-composite module frame. Tessolar-constructed individually encapsulated cells incorporating the material innovations are used to assemble 60-cell modules. 2 x 2 cell mini-modules of the same materials were produced for combined-accelerated stress testing (C-AST). C-AST results demonstrate that the 2 x 2 cell mini-module of Tessolar construction out-performed mini-modules using both ECA with EVA and standard solder with EVA constructions in power production over 108 cycles of testing.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reliable Power Rating of Perovskite PV Modules

As the perovskite technology is ramping up into commercialization, reliable and accurate power rating of large-size perovskite modules becomes a prominent aspect for its future deployment in the PV market. It is known that the performance calibration of perovskite PV devices is very challenging due to its complex dynamic response during a conventional current-voltage (IV) measurement. PV researchers have previously proposed several steady-state performance calibration methods to reliably extract PV efficiencies, but mostly focus on small area research-type cells. In this paper, we emphasize the importance of reliable performance calibration on large-size perovskite modules. Extending the NREL Cell and Module Performance (CMP) group's steady-state performance calibration protocol (i.e., Asymptotic P MAX Scan) for perovskite cells to modules, we justify the necessity of reporting steady-state efficiencies for perovskite cells and discuss the challenges of applying this protocol to modules. We also present our protocol for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which is a technique often used for performance calibration of perovskite cells and modules, and show a comparison between MPPT and Asymptotic P MAX . Using MPPT we demonstrate the interplay between metastability and degradation in perovskite modules, and emphasize the necessity to develop preconditioning protocols for stabilizing these devices. Our aim is to promote development of consensus protocols for performance calibration of perovskite modules, and to advance their credible power ratings, which will be beneficial to the growth of perovskite technology in the PV market.

perovskite↗
DOE OSTI2024

State-of-the-Art Medium- and High-Voltage Silicon Carbide Power Modules, Challenges and Mitigation Techniques: A Review

Silicon carbide (SiC) power modules have been demonstrated potential for improving power density and efficiency for low-voltage power electronics systems. This has resulted in a paradigm shift toward development of medium-voltage and high-voltage (MV/HV) SiC power modules to revolutionize the future power grid and transportation systems. However, designing MV/HV SiC power modules involves significant design challenges due to higher blocking voltage and exacerbation of side effects due to high switching dv/dt and di/dt of SiC devices-concerns that may not be as critical as in low-voltage module development. This article reviews the development of state-of-the-art MV/HV SiC power modules, ranging from 3.3 kV to 40 kV, from both industry and academia. First, a discussion on SiC modules based on voltage level is presented. This is followed by a discussion of challenges associated with designing and testing MV/HV modules- including parasitic controls, electromagnetic interference (EMI), partial discharge, and thermal management-and the corresponding mitigation approaches from various perspectives. We conclude with a summary of major findings and future directions for the development of MV/HV modules.

EMI↗