System Cost Reduction with Integration of Shunts in Power Modules in the Power Range above 75 kW

Cost reduction and increased power density combined with long lifetimes are the main challenges for the development of new generations of inverters. For instance, the electrical performance of IGBTs and diodes and interconnection technologies has been consistently improving over time. A further potential for cost reduction is the introduction of shunts for current measurement internal to the power modules, replacing Hall Effect sensors measuring the AC current, typically in the output bus bars, in inverters at power levels above 75 kW. The development of new sigma delta modulators with lower input voltage has enabled this approach. This publication presents the impact of introducing shunts internal to the power module in inverters in the power range above 75 kW, specifically: cost reduction, performance improvement and simplified inverter design.