Refining Requirements: SCAPE's Dynamic Framework WP2, led by AVL-TR, plays a crucial role in the SCAPE project by spearheading the requirement engineering efforts. Over the first two years, WP2 has successfully developed a comprehensive collaboration method, defined use cases, system requirements, test cases, and conducted gap analyses. The collaboration method, meticulously crafted with [...]

Enhanced Implementation of Converter Building-Blocks: High-Voltage Switching Cell Prototypes with Chip-Embedding Technology After two years of intensive research and development, individual High-Voltage Switching Cells have been successfully manufactured and tested. This achievement follows significant efforts in several key areas: selecting and characterizing 750V SiC MOSFETs, developing advanced interconnection techniques for SiC bare-dies (including [...]

More than PCBs - State-of-the-art and future developments SCAPE’s 4th General Assembly Features Insightful Session on Advanced PCB Technology by Schweizer Electronic AG’s CTO SCAPE's 4th General Assembly was marked by an enlightening session on Advanced Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) led by Thomas Gottwald, Chief Technology Officer of Schweizer Electronic AG. The event, [...]

Keeping EV tech innovation environment-friendly The environmental performance of the initial design for the integrated inverter/on-board charger has been thoroughly evaluated. We have scrutinized the impact of key innovative elements within SCAPE, such as the development of high-voltage switching cells, converter legs, and advanced thermal management solutions. This [...]

Takeaways from SCAPE's 1st Workshop Will modular and scalable EV power converter design unlock a future of reliable, lightweight, and affordable EVs? In the attempt to answer the question above and gather informed insights to enhance the project's reserch, SCAPE has hosted a knowledge sharing workshop during [...]

Habemus Switching Cell Prototype! The first high-voltage switching cell prototype, built around a 650 V SiC power MOSFET, has been successfully implemented and tested! The switching cell includes advanced functionalities such as embedded switching-cell voltage, current and temperature measurements, and automatic fault-detection and isolation. All functionalities have been experimentally verified at [...]

Towards a compact and efficient integration of SCAPE's switching cells SCAPE aims at integrating the main building blocks of the project’s high voltage power converters (switching cells) using chip-embedding technology. This approach provides many benefits (compactness, low parasitic inductance, etc.) but requires a number of specific technological steps. Among these are: - [...]

Building SCAPE's integrated inverter/on-board charger mock-up SCAPE follows an iterative process for the design of the power converter prototypes, consisting of two main steps. First, a mock-up low-power version of the integrated inverter/on-board charger (IIOBC) is developed, in order to validate the switching-cell and converter-leg circuits, the [...]

SCAPE's on-board charging revolution SCAPE aims at significantly enhancing the power density of automotive on-board chargers. SCAPE's innovative approach utilizes traction motor stator windings and the traction inverter to develop a non-isolated integrated charger. This innovation not only replaces the need for currently used dedicated equipment in automotive applications but also offers [...]