BorgWarner has been awarded an Innovation Award in the Environment category by the CLEPA European Association of Automotive Suppliers for its cooled SiC inverter. The award recognizes outstanding mobility technology achievements among automotive suppliers and was presented during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 25. The company’s winning technology contains a patented silicon carbide power switch, called Viper, for next-generation inverters. The Viper power switch supports electrical systems up to 800V and enables multiple benefits, including increased efficiency with voltage flexibility, reduced recharging times, extended range and smaller battery size.
“With the increased drive for innovation in terms of vehicle electrification to meet global CO2 reduction targets, receiving this significant honor from CLEPA reinforces BorgWarner’s expertise and cutting-edge capabilities in this space,” said Dr. Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems. “Viper is a game-changing SiC-based power switch that delivers up to a 70% improvement in switching losses and 25% greater power density to help commercialize future mobility solutions.”Essential for electric vehicles, inverters transform direct current (DC) from the battery pack into an alternating current (AC) to power the electric propulsion motor. Within each inverter, there is a power module, usually consisting of six semiconductor switches that manage the power flow to the motor. With Viper, all six switches have been condensed in size, located between two small heat sinks that absorb and disperse heat. This double-sided cooling structure allows for a more compact design, making next-generation inverters 40% lighter and 30% smaller than previous generations. The new silicon carbide power switch also enhances efficiency and permits much higher power output, in combination with an 800V system.
Viper’s unique design allows it to be scaled and adapted to both lower and higher voltage systems, giving OEMs much-needed flexibility in managing the multiple voltage levels required by plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
