Power Electronic Conversion
We are focused on increasing energy density and miniaturizing electronic functions. This trend is driving the widespread introduction of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and their underlying technologies into the supply chain for application sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, and space. The main challenge hindering their deployment in these harsh environments is the assessment of their reliability—or more precisely, their functional safety.
Our goal is to implement innovative approaches (tools and methodologies) and specific expertise (experimental and numerical capabilities) to address the challenges associated with this paradigm shift.
At the core of our activities is a fundamental understanding of the physics of failure (PoF) and/or the physics of defects. COTS components based on emerging technologies may be dedicated to various functions: electrical power (both non-propulsive and propulsive), digital (processing and memory), analog (radio communications and radar sensing), optical (communications and detection), or energy sources and storage (batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors).
Our approach is primarily based on the analysis, understanding, and modeling of failure mechanisms, malfunctions, and defects induced by the combination of operating conditions (stimuli) and the environmental parameters associated with their use (usage profiles).
Our expertise
We are at the heart of the electrification of mobility for applications exposed to harsh environmental constraints, such as aeronautics and space.
Our work focuses on performance, particularly in terms of energy-conversion densification (low weight and high efficiency) and functional safety (qualification, robustness, and durability).
The skills and capabilities offered by IRT Saint Exupéry in this field are differentiating and unique within the French ecosystem.
Thanks to strong synergy between the testing center and research engineers, two R&T specializations stand out in the industrial and scientific landscape:
- a methodology for reliability analysis and prediction of wide-bandgap technologies and components (SiC and GaN), and
- a methodology for optimizing power drive systems (PDS) through a multidisciplinary approach (EMC, reliability, electrical and thermal performance, etc.) combined with a comprehensive multi-level perspective (from the elementary component to the full system).
Characterization of magnetic materials
- Characterization of iron losses under operational conditions and measurement of residual torque
- Characterization of the magnetic field of ferrite compounds through hysteresisgraphy
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Electromagnetic characterization of components and PCBs in the near field
- Electromagnetic radiation testing in a Faraday cage
- Characterization of the electromechanical chain up to 50 kW
- Optimization of power converter control through active filtering
Design and characterization of power electronic converters
- Design and manufacturing of power converters
- Optimization of converter performance
- Reliability enhancement of components and converters using GaN or SiC technology
- Characterization of the robustness of components subjected to repetitive short circuits
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