A Modular Silicon Carbide Based Electrical Distribution Unit

Upgrades to the Bradley and Stryker vehicles and concepts for a next-generation ground combat vehicle require substantial expansion of the electrical power generation and distribution system. The upgrades must be implemented within very tight spaces, and this requires technology advances such as higher operating temperature and power density and increased interoperability within the vehicle. Creare will expand our previously developed SiC-based power controller, and we leverage our longstanding partnership with one of the leading ground combat vehicle technology providers to the U.S. Army to meet these challenges. During Phase I we will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a 16 channel, 28 VDC Solid State Electrical Distribution Unit (SSEDU) which operates with ambient temperatures up to 90 deg C and supports current levels up to 1,000 A. Our design uses an innovative thermal management technique to allow operation at very high ambient temperature while maintaining semiconductor junction temperatures which minimize size and maximize lifetime and reliability. During Phase II we will demonstrate a prototype in a high fidelity vehicle test environment. Creare"s SSEDU offers the benefits of higher power density, higher operating temperature, and increased control intelligence when compared to existing designs.