Thermal challenges in power electronics

All electrical circuits require energy to operate and the components within them have losses which generate heat. The author argues that in order to maintain good reliable operation, the challenge is to maintain the temperature of the operating parts within the design limits. Power electronic circuits usually operate with efficiencies over 90%, but even at 95%, a 100 kilowatt system will dissipate 5 kilowatts. It is vitally important to know where the losses are generated to produce a sound design.<
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