Thermal Performance Improvement in Multi-Megawatt Power Converters Serving to Asynchronous Hydro Generators Operating Around Synchronous Speed

Abstract

In multi-MW three-level neutral point clamped back-to-back (3L-NPC) power converters, power semiconductor devices are considered as most vulnerable components due to its thermo-mechanical fatigue stress. Particularly, rotor side converter (RSC) in doubly fed induction machine (DFIM) experiences high thermal stress during its operation around synchronous speed. It degrades the performance of power converter and reduces the lifetime availability of the drive. In practice, stabilization of temperature fluctuation across each power semiconductor device improves the efficiency and reliability of power converter. With respect to this prime aim, this paper proposes a carrier-based active thermal control method to regulate temperature fluctuation across power semiconductor devices in a multi-MW (5 x 5 MW) 3L-NPC power converters serving to a 250 MW asynchronous hydro-generating unit. To test the proposed active thermal control method, different operating conditions of a 250 MW DFIM hydro-generating unit (to be commissioned in Tehri pumped storage plant, India) are examined in MATLAB/PLECS environment. The designed active thermal control method effectively regulates mean junction temperature and temperature fluctuation of power semiconductor devices within a safe operating limit. The practical feasibility and adoptability of proposed active thermal control is examined through a 2.2-kW DFIM laboratory prototype.