Schweinfurt/Nordborg. Danfoss Silicon Power is chosen by ZF Friedrichshafen AG to be supplier of power modules for a range of projects ZF acquired from OEMs. At the same time the two companies are intensifying their existing cooperation, with a new strategic partnership for silicon- and silicon-carbide power modules.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Danfoss Silicon Power GmbH have stepped up their existing cooperation, with a new strategic partnership for silicon- and silicon-carbide power modules. The partners plan to improve the efficiency of electric drivelines by leveraging engineering and cost benefits at the interface between power modules and inverters. One of the first major milestones in this new initiative is a supply contract for Danfoss power modules destined for large-scale ZF volume production projects.
Power modules are used in so-called power electronics, which serve as electronic controls for electrified drives.
“We are proud to join this partnership with ZF. We believe this closer cooperation between Danfoss and ZF has the potential to be a game changer for the development and innovation of future drivetrains for electrification of vehicles. Together we can enable an acceleration of the transition of the transport sector,” says Kim Fausing, President and CEO of the Danfoss Group.
The partnership will see the two companies engage in joint research and development, with Danfoss also supplying power modules for silicon applications.
Beside 400 Volt standard applications the two companies have also begun co-developing an 800 Volt Silicon Carbide power module for a large volume production project, aiming to position themselves at the forefront of this new segment.
“This is a robust long-term partnership that enables ZF and Danfoss to pool their strengths. Coming together on this opens up significant innovation potential to improve the technical and commercial competitiveness of our inverters. We will utilize this advantage in all our drivetrain applications; from Hybrid- up to Full Electric Applications." explains Jörg Grotendorst, Head of ZF’s E-Mobility Division.
ZF’s E-Mobility division supplies electric drive systems and components, while Danfoss Silicon Power GmbH (DSP) is a specialist in silicon and silicon-carbide power modules. By joining forces to produce innovative open technology solutions for e-mobility drivelines, they aim to make a vital contribution to cutting vehicle emissions. In electric and hybrid vehicles, power modules control the efficiency of the energy supply to the drive, battery and onboard electronics. This means that the development of space-saving inverters and more efficient power modules is crucial to reducing emissions over the long term.
The reach of this cooperation extends to activities worldwide, with Danfoss able to support activities directly in the United States as well. In 2018, Danfoss expanded its investment in its US operations and opened a facility in Utica, New York, that produces silicon-carbide power modules. The Danfoss Silicon Power facility, which is located on the campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), is part of a private-public consortium established in 2014 by the state of New York as an investment in high-tech jobs. Danfoss Silicon Power is the only independent silicon-carbide power module manufacturer in the United States.
Since January 2016, ZF has been bundling its e-mobility activities in the E-Mobility division. The division's headquarters are in Schweinfurt (Germany). Some 9,000 employees work for ZF in the area of electromobility at various locations around the world.
Danfoss Silicon Power is a subsidiary of the Danfoss Group, the largest industrial company in Denmark. For decades, Danfoss Silicon Power has been helping top tier manufacturers and system suppliers meet stringent reliability, design and cost targets by designing, developing and manufacturing customized power modules for automotive, industrial and renewable applications. www.siliconpower.danfoss.com