Analyze and Improve Lifetime in 3L-NPC Inverter from Power Cycle and Thermal Balance

Quan Chen, Zhe Chen, Qunjing Wang, Guoli Li, Long Cheng

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/conference proceedingArticle in proceedingResearchpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Three-level Neutral-point-clamped (3L-NPC) topology is becoming a realistic alternative to the conventional one in high-voltage and high-power application. Studies show that the power cycling mean time to failure (MTTF) of the semiconductor bond wire in 3L-NPC inverter system may be very short under some common conditions. Firstly, this paper shows the impact of some key parameters on power electronic system lifetime according the analysis of semiconductor failure mechanism. Secondly, a switching frequency reduction method based on the position relationship between the flowing current and load voltage is applied to reduce power cycle and switching losses. And then, three-level active neutral point-clamped topology is taken into account to wake the most thermo stressed device. In order to validate the improve lifetime method in this paper, a 2MW 3L-NPC converter used in wind energy has been simulated. Finally, the described method has been tested in a 7.5kVA scalable prototype.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems, ICEMS 2014
Number of pages7
PublisherIEEE Press
Publication dateOct 2014
Pages974 - 980
ISBN (Print)978-1-4799-5162-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2014
Event17th International Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems, ICEMS 2014 - Hangzhou, China
Duration: 22 Oct 201425 Oct 2014

Conference

Conference17th International Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems, ICEMS 2014
Country/TerritoryChina
CityHangzhou
Period22/10/201425/10/2014

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