Impacts of cooling technology on solder fatigue for power modules in electric traction drive vehicles

This paper presents three power module cooling topologies that are being considered for use in electric traction drive vehicles such as a hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or electric vehicle. The impact on the fatigue life of solder joints for each cooling option is investigated along with the thermal performance. Considering solder joint reliability and thermal performance, topologies using indirect jet impingement look attractive.