Optimization Techniques for Parallel-Connected Devices in IPMs for Consumer Use

Reduction of power consumption is a critical and unavoidable concern for global environmental preservation. Enhancing energy efficiency in the use of air conditioners, which consume a significant amount of energy compared to other consumer appliances, has become imperative. The consumer appliance market demands intelligent power modules (IPMs) installed on PCBs, that meet requirements such as compact size, high efficiency, and low-cost. This paper presents an optimization method for an IPM that utilizes Si devices and SiC-MOSFETs in a parallel connection for consumer applications. The active area and gate drive with delay control of the SiC-MOSFET are optimized to reduce losses in the 6in1 IPM, which is used to drive an inverter for an air conditioner compressor.