Littelfuse has recognized the technical contributions of Dr. Martin Schulz, Global Principal Application Engineer, for five consecutive years of peer-reviewed research presented at PCIM. His latest work introduces a direct liquid cooling concept for power semiconductor modules that removes the ceramic isolation layer traditionally used in module designs, enabling significant improvements in power density and thermal performance.
The technology was developed and validated in collaboration with Daimler Truck AG and the Steinbeis Institute. Instead of relying on a ceramic isolation layer, the new approach uses the coolant itself as the electrical isolation barrier. According to Littelfuse, the design enables a power module to deliver 800 A of continuous current from a chipset conventionally rated for 600 A while achieving junction-to-coolant thermal resistance below 0.08 K/W.
Testing based on a 700-kilometer Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck duty cycle demonstrated up to a 15% reduction in power losses and a projected power-cycling lifetime improvement of up to 800 times compared with conventional ceramic-isolated power modules operating under identical conditions.
Dr. Schulz’s research has consistently challenged established assumptions in power semiconductor design. Over the past five years, his PCIM papers have explored topics including the renewed use of thyristor and gate turn-off (GTO) technologies for megawatt-scale charging infrastructure, evaluating the appropriate use cases for silicon carbide, and, most recently, advanced cooling technologies for power modules.
In recognition of his sustained technical contributions, PCIM presented Dr. Schulz with a certificate of appreciation for five consecutive years of peer-reviewed research presentations.
According to Littelfuse, the direct liquid cooling concept demonstrates how innovative thermal management can improve power density, efficiency, and long-term reliability in high-power applications such as commercial electric vehicles and heavy-duty transportation.
Original – Littelfuse