Stefan Völkel

Title: The Innovations of Stefan Völkel

Introduction

Stefan Völkel is a notable inventor based in Erlangen, Germany. He has made significant contributions to the field of power semiconductors, holding a total of 4 patents. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and safety of power converter circuits.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a method for operating power semiconductors arranged in converters. This method involves measuring the temperature of at least one power semiconductor with a temperature sensor, comparing it to a reference temperature, and activating a pre-heating phase based on the comparison result. During this pre-heating phase, a pre-heating current is defined and impressed into an electrical load.

Another significant patent is a method and apparatus for protecting an intermediate circuit capacitor in a power converter. This invention includes a power converter circuit with at least two submodules in a series circuit that draws electrical power from a DC voltage source. When a fault is detected in one of the submodules, the transmission of electrical power from the load-side output of the faulty submodule is blocked, ensuring safety and reliability.

Career Highlights

Stefan Völkel has worked with prominent companies in the industry, including Siemens Aktiengesellschaft and Valeo Siemens Eautomotive Germany GmbH. His experience in these organizations has allowed him to develop and refine his innovative ideas in power electronics.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Stefan has collaborated with talented individuals such as Michael Kopf and Marcel Lutze. These partnerships have contributed to the advancement of his projects and the successful development of his patents.

Conclusion

Stefan Völkel's contributions to the field of power semiconductors demonstrate his commitment to innovation and safety in electrical engineering. His patents reflect a deep understanding of the complexities involved in power conversion, making him a valuable figure in the industry.