Wolfspeed Inc.
Wolfspeed Inc., a silicon carbide technology company, announced ZINSIGHT Technology, an advanced electric drive systems company, will use Wolfspeed 1,200V silicon carbide MOSFETs in its advanced motor controller for ultra-high-speed air compressors in fuel cell vehicle (FCV) engines.
Consumer demand for zero-emission vehicles such as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and FCVs is expected to increase over the next decade as automakers and governments shift focus away from production of internal combustion engine vehicles for a cleaner and more sustainable future. The use of silicon carbide in BEVs and FCVs results in significant cost savings, while high-efficiency power modules enable lower energy losses and higher range.
“The air compressor is one of the most critical components in FCV engines, affecting both efficiency and volume,” says Dr. Shi Jingkui, CEO of ZINSIGHT. “We partnered with Wolfspeed to harness its leadership in silicon carbide and ensure our technologies deliver best-in-class performance in speed, performance, efficiency, reliability and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).”
Using Wolfspeed’s 1,200V silicon carbide MOSFETs, ZINSIGHT developed an ultra-high-speed motor controller for use in FCV air compressors. The 35kW HS35 solution provides enhanced efficiency and energy production, achieving more precise motor control over the entire FCV speed range.
“This collaboration further diversifies our automotive pipeline as we bring Silicon Carbide technology to fuel cell vehicles,” says Jay Cameron, senior vice president and general manager for Wolfspeed Power. “Wolfspeed Silicon Carbide enables our customers to provide best-in-class efficiency as they help automakers lead the transition to a more sustainable future.”