High-output power control unit for hybrid vehicles

Abstract

The hybrid vehicle market is growing as car manufacturers plan the implementation of hybrid systems across the range. In order to meet their requirements, the Power Control Unit (PCU) that controls the traction motors of hybrid vehicles is required to have a higher power output and a smaller size. To achieve both of these targets, Denso and Toyota have developed a PCU for the Lexus LS 600h and LS 600hL. The dissipation of heat from both sides of the power semiconductor chips enables a significant improvement in cooling capacity to be achieved.