Abstract

Power converter reliability is critical for permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) wind turbines. Converter failures are commonly linked to the power module thermal loading. This paper models the expected converter thermal loading when the turbine is subjected to various synthetic wind speed conditions, including constant and square wave profiles. It was found that the model performed as expected compared to manufacturer's data and the diodes had greater thermal loading than the IGBTs. The preliminary results from synthetic square wave WSTS suggest that wind events with a period [gt ]5s are critical to the device thermal loading.

Highlights

  • This power module failure has been linked to power module thermal loading, where the variation of junction temperature in the insulated gate bipolar transistors ( Tj,insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs)) and diodes ( Tj,diode) causes fatigue through expansion and contraction of current carrying components

  • To determine the thermal loading of a wind turbine power converter the following procedure was followed: 1. Model a wind turbine drive train to provide the current throughput of the converter

  • The current throughput of the devices is related to the power losses and Tj, but it was assumed that this effect would be negligible [20]

Read more

Summary

Introduction

This power module failure has been linked to power module thermal loading, where the variation of junction temperature in the insulated gate bipolar transistors ( Tj,IGBT) and diodes ( Tj,diode) causes fatigue through expansion and contraction of current carrying components. By understanding which components’ reliability has the greatest impact on downtime and power production, O&M resources can be focused to minimise turbine disruption and reduce offshore wind’s LCoE. These limitations mean that the operational profiles and failure data are not representative of how a converter operates in the field. 3. Is the use of manufacturing cycles-to-failure data a valid approach for converter lifetime estimation under complex loading conditions such as operation in a wind turbine?. This paper concentrates on providing the benchmark for the 3 questions by modelling the expected thermal loading and finding the wind conditions which theoretically cause the greatest damage to the converter.

Approach
Drive Train Model
Converter Power Loss Model
Thermal Loss Model
Results and Discussion
Constant Wind Speeds
Response to Varying Wind Speed input
Conclusions
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.