Modular integration of a 1200 v SiC inverter in a commercial vehicle wheel-hub drivetrain

The EU-funded FP7 project COSIVU [1] aims at a new system architecture for drive-trains of commercial vehicles. The project scope is the development of a smart, compact and durable single-wheel drive unit with integrated electric motor, compact transmission, full 1200V silicon carbide (SiC) inverter (switches and diodes) and an advanced and compact cooling solution. This paper focusses on the modular packaging concept of the integrated power stage, using “Inverter Building Blocks”, and the design of a double sided cooling of the power modules using a 3D printing technology.