Wide Bandgap Power Electronics

This book presents the transformational progress in next-generation advanced converter circuit topologies based on the unique electrical properties of wide-bandgap semiconductors, including silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). It addresses the opportunities for significant advances in power electronics circuit performance opened by the availability of wide-bandgap power devices and the challenges associated with using these devices that must be overcome when applying them. The authors tackle specific grand challenges in application areas covering a broad range of power electronics circuits and systems disciplines, including electric motor-driven systems, automotive applications, air/rail/ship propulsion, electric vehicle chargers, high-performance computing and data centers, power supplies, solar inverters, wind-electric systems, high/medium voltage transmission/distribution equipment and power electronics interacting with the grid, power conversion for grid storage, monolithic power processing, and solid-state circuit breakers. Wide Bandgap Power Electronics: Emerging Converter Technologies and Applications introduces readers to the unique characteristics of wide-bandgap power semiconductor devices and the revolutionary impact that they are capable of having on the performance of power converters in future power electronics applications and will be an invaluable resource for practicing engineers, researchers, and graduate students in the field of power electronics, applications, and systems. - Introduces readers to the special characteristics of wide-bandgap power semiconductor devices; - Identifies likely future research and development directions; - Discusses commercialization issues.