Reliability of Power Electronics Converters for Solar Photovoltaic Applications

The importance of power electronic converters for electricity grid equipment is increasing due to the growing distribution-level penetration of renewable energy sources. The performance of the converters mostly depends on interactions between sources, loads, and their state of operation. These devices must be operated with safety and stability under normal conditions, fault conditions, overloads, as well as different operation modes. Therefore, enhanced control strategies of power electronic converters are necessary to improve system stability. This book for researchers and practitioners discusses enhanced control strategies, fault and failure mode classification mechanisms, and reliability analysis methods for PV modules, power electronic converters, and grid-connected PV systems, and thermal image-based monitoring. The technologies conveyed serve to improve the reliability and stability of power systems. Life calculation of converters, and case and reliability studies are included as well. The international author team consists of researchers with a range of backgrounds from academia and industry.