Novel Thermal Management Policies to Improve the Reliability of Power Electronics Devices

Wide band gap power electronics devices have been becoming corner stones for modern electrical energy conversion system (e.g. electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronic power system,…). Since high power density and severe ambient temperature applications become the trend in the energy conversion field, silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor modules represent a current increasing need for the modern electrical engineering. The high reliability of SiC power module is vital for the safety operation of electric transportation, smart grid and geothermal/space exploration systems. A proper synergy between the power module elements is essential to improve the reliability, which can be addressed through using new materials and testing technologies.

Power devices convert power with decent efficiency, while the heat generation during the switching operation in power modules causes challenges such as performance degradation and thermally induced reliability problems in devices and packaging. Although SiC power modules offer smaller size devices compared to previous technologies and therefore more compact power module designs with a higher device density, the thermal resistance and following heat generation increases dramatically. This means that SiC power modules requires novel techniques for the thermal management. This project aims to introduce new thermal management policies in SiC power modules through introducing new design packaging, using new materials (mainly carbon-based composites and 2D materials) for efficient heat dissipation, and employing advanced cooling approaches to enhance the heat removal capability.

This project suits applicants with background in materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related discipline.

For more details about this project, please contact Dr M. N Esfahani, email: mohammad.nasresfahani@york.ac.uk Dr. Y. Hu, email: yihua.hu@york.ac.uk

Entry requirements:

Candidates should have (or expect to obtain) a minimum of a UK upper second class honours degree (2.1) or equivalent in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Music Technology or a closely related subject.

How to apply:

Applicants should apply via the University’s online application system at https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/. Please read the application guidance first so that you understand the various steps in the application process.