New Inverter Tech from Nissan

[Joseph]

Nissan is using some new sort of diode that reduces the size and weight of their inverters by ~ 20%.

Green Car Congress: Nissan Develops Inverter with SiC Diodes; Under Test in X-TRAIL FCV

 

[dpeilow]

Looks like others are onto SiC diodes, too.

Mitsubishi Electric SiC Inverter Cuts Power Losses 'by 70%' -- Nikkei Electronics Asia -- July 2009 - Tech-On!

Green Car Congress: Infineon Introduces 3rd-Generation Silicon Carbide Schottky Diodes; Improved Performance Reduces Cost of Power Electronics for Motor Drive and Renewable Energy Applications

 

[tdelta1000]

What does this new inverter technology means for Tesla and the Model S and then the Roadster???? Are these unit weight saving???

 

[AntronX]

Silicone Carbide transitors can operate at temperatures double that of existing Silicone based transistors and at even lower electrical losses. This simplifies cooling requirements, increases inverter efficiency and power output and reduces weight. Here is pdf paper with more information: http://www.semisouth.com/applicatio...ratures_Greater_than_300C_HiTEC04_Merrett.pdf

 

[tdelta1000]

AntronX...I see now. Thanks for shed more light on the subject.