Power Semiconductor Preheating for Loss Reduction

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the power semiconductor before the main switching operation. A pre-heating phase is introduced where a pre-heating current is applied to raise the semiconductor's temperature to a reference temperature before normal operation begins. This preliminary thermal preparation enables the semiconductor to withstand higher switch-off overvoltages without exceeding its maximum blocking voltage, thus allowing faster switch-off speeds and reduced electrical losses while maintaining reliability.

The patent applies dynamics by making the operating temperature of the power semiconductor variable rather than fixed. A temperature management system dynamically adjusts the semiconductor's temperature using a pre-heating phase that raises the temperature from low ambient conditions to an optimal reference temperature before normal operation. During operation, the temperature is maintained within an optimal range through controlled pre-heating cycles, allowing the semiconductor to operate at higher temperatures that provide better blocking voltage characteristics without risking thermal damage, thus eliminating the need for overdimensioning.

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature parameter of the power semiconductor. By introducing a pre-heating phase that raises the semiconductor's temperature to a reference temperature before normal operation, the electrical characteristics of the device change. Specifically, the maximum blocking collector-emitter voltage increases at higher temperatures, allowing for faster switch-off speeds that reduce the duration of switch-off processes and thereby reduce electrical losses, while still ensuring device safety through controlled temperature management.

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a pre-heating phase that prepares the power semiconductor for optimal operation before the main switching tasks begin. When the semiconductor starts from low temperatures, the pre-heating phase raises its temperature to a reference temperature where the maximum blocking collector-emitter voltage is optimized. This preliminary thermal preparation allows the system to achieve fast switch-off speeds and low electrical losses during normal operation, while still maintaining adaptability to operate across the entire temperature range by dynamically applying pre-heating when needed.