Wolfspeed and ZINSIGHT are increasing the efficacy of fuel cell vehicles with Silicon Carbide technology.
Wolfspeed is a renowned global leader in Silicon Carbide technology. The company has recently announced that ZINSIGHT Technology, a company that innovates advanced electric drive systems, will employ Wolfspeed® 1200V Silicon Carbide MOSFETs in its advanced motor controller for ultra-high-speed air compressors in fuel cell vehicle (FCV) engines.
Zero-emission vehicles
Customer demand for zero-emission vehicles like battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and FCVs has been increasing for years and is expected to increase at more rapid rates over the next decade as automakers and government entities shift focus away from the production of internal combustion engine vehicles for a greener and more sustainable future.
The utilisation of silicon carbide in BEVs and FCVs leads to far greater cost-effective vehicles, whilst high-efficiency power modules facilitate lower energy losses and higher range.
“The air compressor is one of the most critical components in FCV engines, affecting both efficiency and volume,” commented Dr Shi Jingkui, CEO of ZINSIGHT. “We partnered with Wolfspeed to harness its leadership in Silicon Carbide and ensure our technologies deliver best-in-class performance in speed, performance, efficiency, reliability and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).”
Through the application of Wolfspeed’s industry-leading 1200V Silicon Carbide MOSFETs, ZINSIGHT has established an ultra-high-speed motor controller for use in FCV air compressors. The 35kW HS35 solution offers increased efficacy and energy production, accomplishing more precise motor control over the entire FCV speed range.
“This collaboration further diversifies our automotive pipeline as we bring Silicon Carbide technology to fuel cell vehicles,” added Jay Cameron, senior vice president and general manager for Wolfspeed Power. “Wolfspeed Silicon Carbide enables our customers to provide best-in-class efficiency as they help automakers lead the transition to a more sustainable future.”
As a pure-play semiconductor powerhouse, Wolfspeed is prominent in the industry shift from silicon to Silicon Carbide in the automotive sector as it transitions away from internal combustion engines.
About ZINSIGHT
ZINSIGHT concentrates on the high-end electrical machine drive and systems based on Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology. After over a decade of industrial experience in design and development with SiC, the company launched the SiCTeXTM series high-performance motor drives. These can be widely applied in FCV air compressors, micro turbine generators, and centrifugal compressors on top of the electrical propulsion system in aircraft and other special-purpose vehicles.
About Wolfspeed
Wolfspeed is an industry leader in the worldwide adoption of Silicon Carbide and GaN technologies. The company offers groundbreaking solutions for efficient energy consumption and a sustainable future. Wolfspeed’s product families include Silicon Carbide materials, power-switching devices and RF devices targeted for various applications such as electric vehicles, fast charging, 5G, renewable energy and storage, and aerospace and defence. The company releases the power of possibilities through hard work, collaboration, and a passion for innovation.
