The US Army has contracted GE Aviation to develop silicon carbide-based power electronics for ground vehicles.

Under the $4.1m contract, GE Aviation will produce a prototype by the end of next year.

As part of the two-year development programme, three hardware deliverables will be provided to support the army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) next-generation vehicle electrical power architecture leap-ahead technology development.

GE Aviation electrical power systems president Vic Bonneau said: “We continue to invest in silicon carbide and high-density packaging to help the US Army to better manage on-board power. This component provides the additional benefit of eliminating the need for an electronic cooling system.

“Our similar silicon carbide-based programmes and planned re-use have led to this new critical high-temperature application.”

“Our similar silicon carbide-based programmes and planned re-use have led to this new critical high-temperature application.”

GE will demonstrate the ability of its Silicon Carbide MOSFET technology in a 200kW integrated starter generator controller (ISGC).

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The ISGC has been designed to provide sensored and sensorless control for multiple generator types in a single line replaceable unit weighing less than 50lb.

This CANbus programmable controller will use 105°C coolant and operate at 125°C ambient in bi-directional operation for engine start.

DCS is the contracting agent for US Army TARDEC and it develops advanced technology solutions and provides acquisition management expertise for US Army aviation, ground vehicle, and soldier and missile systems.