The Optimized Design of a NPC Three-Level Inverter Forced-Air Cooling System Based on Dynamic Power-loss Calculations of the Maximum Power-Loss Range

Abstract

In some special occasions with strict size requirements, such as mine hoists, improving the design accuracy of the forced-air cooling systems of NPC three-level inverters is a key technology for improving the power density and decreasing the volume. First, a fast power-loss calculation method was brought. Its calculation principle introduced in detail, and the computation formulas were deduced. Secondly, the average and dynamic power losses of a 1MW mine hoist acting as the research target were analyzed, and a forced-air cooling system model based on a series of theoretical analyses was designed with the average power loss as a heat source. The simulation analyses proves the accuracy and effectiveness of this cooling system during the unit lifting period. Finally, according to an analysis of the periodic working condition, the maximum power-loss range of a NPC three-level inverter under multi cycle operation was obtained and its dynamic power loss was taken into the optimized cooling system model as a heat source to solve the power device damage caused by instantaneous heat accumulation. The effectiveness and feasibility of the optimization design based on the dynamic power loss calculation of the maximum power-loss range was proved by simulation and experimental results.