Thermal Management Strategy for IGBT Modules in PV Systems Based on the Benefit-Cost Ratio

Abstract

Thermal management based on the regulation of the switching frequency brings benefits to the lifetime extension of the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) module and drawbacks to the total harmonic distortion (THD). To make a tradeoff between the benefits and drawbacks of thermal management, an optimization strategy based on the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) is to provide a criterion for selecting the switching frequency of thermal management in photovoltaic systems. Each 1% increase in THD can extend the lifetime of the IGBT module as long as possible under the allowed conditions. Case studies and experimental tests are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.