Power converter arrangement, especially for a wind turbine, and methods for controlling it

Abstract

A power converter is presented, comprising a rectifier module whose output is connected to a DC link, and an inverter module whose input is connected to the DC link and whose output is connected to a multi-phase AC network. The inverter module consists of a plurality of half-bridge arrangements, each with an upper and a lower semiconductor switch, to which a freewheeling diode is connected in parallel or is intrinsically present. The respective control input of each semiconductor switch is connected to a control device. This control device is configured such that, in a second operating state, at least one of the semiconductor switches is controlled in a modified manner upon a first voltage increase in at least one phase of the AC network, which leads to a second voltage increase in the DC link.that this exhibits such a slower switching behavior compared to a first operating state that a dynamic overvoltage at this semiconductor switch is reduced to such an extent that the voltage applied to this semiconductor switch does not exceed the target blocking voltage of the semiconductor switch.

Description

[0001] The invention describes a power converter arrangement for a wind turbine comprising a rectifier module whose output is connected to a DC link, and an inverter module whose input is connected to the DC link and whose output is connected to a multiphase AC network. The inverter module consists of a plurality of half-bridge arrangements, each with an upper and a lower semiconductor switch, to which a freewheeling diode is connected in parallel or is intrinsically present. The invention further describes a method for controlling, in particular, the inverter module of the power converter arrangement.

[0002] The publication CARRASCO, JM et al.: Power-Electronic Systems for the Grid Integration of Renewable Energy Sources: A Survey, in IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, June 2006, 1002-1016. doi: 10.1109 / TIE.2006.878356 discloses in principle a power converter arrangement for a wind turbine with a rectifier module whose output is connected to a DC link, with an inverter module whose input is connected to the DC link and whose output is connected to a multiphase AC network.

[0003] DE 10 2011 077 160 A1 discloses a power converter that converts the DC voltage of a solar module with a DC-generating solar cell and the DC voltage fed into its input, wherein the power converter includes at least one semiconductor switch and a control unit controlling a switching input of the semiconductor switch, the control unit is designed such that, in a transitional operating mode of the solar module, it controls at least one of the semiconductor switches in such a modified manner that it exhibits a switching behavior that is slower than in normal operation, such that a dynamic overvoltage at the semiconductor switch is reduced in such a way that the voltage applied to the semiconductor switch does not exceed the reverse voltage of the semiconductor switch.In a method for operating a solar module, the control system, during a transitional operating mode of the solar module, modifies the semiconductor switch in such a way that it exhibits a switching behavior that is slower than in normal operation, thus reducing the dynamic overvoltage at the semiconductor switch to such an extent that the voltage applied to the semiconductor switch does not exceed the blocking voltage of the semiconductor switch.

[0004] US Patent 2014 / 0241016A1 discloses methods and systems for generating a three-phase current at a three-phase output. Switching converters are used to generate a positive current, a negative current, and an intermediate current. The system is configured such that the generated positive current follows the path of the highest phase of a sinusoidal three-phase signal at a given time, the generated negative current follows the path of the lowest phase of the three-phase signal at a given time, and the generated intermediate current follows the path of a phase of the three-phase signal between the highest and lowest phases at a given time. The generated currents are sequentially switched onto the individual phase conductors of the three-phase output, so that phase currents of the three-phase current are formed in the output conductors.

[0005] In light of the aforementioned circumstances, the invention aims to transfer these findings to other fields of application and tasks, particularly in the area of ​​wind turbines, and to adapt them to the changed requirements.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a power converter for a wind turbine, comprising a rectifier module whose output is connected to a DC link, and an inverter module whose input is connected to the DC link and whose output is connected to a multi-phase AC network, wherein the inverter module consists of a plurality of half-bridge arrangements, each with an upper and a lower semiconductor switch, to which a freewheeling diode is connected in parallel or is intrinsically present, wherein the respective control input of the respective semiconductor switches is connected to a control device, wherein this control device is configured such that, in the event of a first voltage increase in at least one phase of the AC network,which leads to a second voltage increase of the DC link voltage, in a second operating state at least one of the semiconductor switches is controlled in such a way that it exhibits a switching behavior that is so slow compared to a first operating state that a dynamic overvoltage at this semiconductor switch is reduced to such an extent that the voltage applied to this semiconductor switch does not exceed the target blocking voltage of the semiconductor switch.

[0007] An intrinsic freewheeling diode is exemplified by the design of MOSFET components.

[0008] It is preferred if the DC link has a permissible first maximum voltage in a first operating state that is significantly smaller than a second maximum voltage in the second operating state.

[0009] It can be advantageous if the control device includes a voltage source that drives the respective semiconductor switch and can supply the control input with different switching voltages and / or switching currents in the different operating states.

[0010] It can also be advantageous if different resistance values ​​can be selected between the control device and the associated control input in the different operating states with different electrical resistances.

[0011] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the respective half-bridge arrangement is designed as a two-level half-bridge arrangement or as a three-level bridge arrangement, preferably of the T-type, or as a multi-level bridge arrangement.

[0012] In principle, it may be preferable if at least one of the following recording devices is provided: • a first detection device that monitors the operating temperature of the power converter; • a second detection device monitoring a voltage in the DC intermediate circuit; • a third detection device that monitors a voltage in the AC power network; • a fourth detection device that monitors the operating time of the second operating state.

[0013] The problem is further solved by a method for operating a power converter arrangement described above according to the invention, in which the control device, in a second operating state of the power converter arrangement, controls at least one of the semiconductor switches in such a way that it exhibits a switching behavior that is slower than in the first operating state, so that a dynamic overvoltage at this semiconductor switch is reduced in such a way that a voltage applied to the semiconductor switch does not exceed the target blocking voltage of the semiconductor switch.

[0014] In this context, it can be advantageous to select or change the value of the switching voltages and / or switching currents supplied to the switching input.

[0015] It can also be advantageous to select or change the electrical resistance located between the control device and the associated control input. In particular, it is possible to select between electrical resistors with different resistance values ​​to achieve the desired slower switching behavior.

[0016] It may be preferable if a first detection device monitors the operating temperature of the power converter and, depending on this, a control device switches between the two operating states or completely shuts down the inverter.

[0017] It may also be preferable if a second detection device monitors the voltage in the DC link and, depending on this, the control device switches between the two operating states or completely shuts down the inverter.

[0018] It may also be preferable if a third detection device monitors the voltage in the AC power grid and, depending on this, a control device switches between the two operating states or completely shuts down the inverter.

[0019] Finally, it may be preferable if a fourth detection device monitors the operating time of the second operating state and, depending on this, the control device switches between the two operating states or completely shuts down the inverter.

[0020] The invention takes into account the following fundamental principles: During operation of the circuit arrangement, a current commutates from the upper semiconductor switch of a half-bridge to the respective lower freewheeling diode of that semiconductor switch and back. Due to parasitic inductances within the half-bridge and its connections to the DC link, a dynamic overvoltage arises across the semiconductor switches during commutation. This overvoltage depends on the current transconductance during commutation, i.e., the rate of change of the current across the semiconductor switch. This dynamic overvoltage is superimposed on the voltage in the DC link. Therefore, during switching, the semiconductor voltage is the sum of the target voltage in the DC link and the dynamic overvoltage.This actual voltage at the semiconductor switch must never exceed its maximum blocking voltage, otherwise the semiconductor switch will be damaged or destroyed.

[0021] In principle, the switching behavior of a transistor can be changed by varying the circuitry of its control input. The control input is driven by a control device that connects a control voltage source to the input via a resistor. The switching behavior of the semiconductor switch can be altered, in particular, by varying the resistance value or the voltage value of the control voltage source. A larger resistance value or a smaller control voltage reduces the current transconductance during commutation of the semiconductor switch. However, these measures increase the switching losses in the semiconductor switch.

[0022] Of course, unless explicitly or per se excluded or contrary to the idea of ​​the invention, the features or groups of features mentioned in the singular may be present multiple times in the power converter arrangement according to the invention.

[0023] It is understood that the various embodiments of the invention, whether mentioned in connection with the power converter arrangement or with the method, can be implemented individually or in any combination to achieve improvements. In particular, the features mentioned and explained above and below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Further explanations of the invention, advantageous details and features, will become apparent from the following description of the invention contained in theFig. 1 to 6 schematically illustrated embodiments of the invention, or of respective parts thereof. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a wind turbine connected to an alternating current network in its first operating state. Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a wind turbine connected to an alternating current network in its second operating state. Fig. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of an inverter module of a power converter arrangement according to the invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows different embodiments of the semiconductor switches for a power converter arrangement according to the invention. Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of an inverter module of a power converter arrangement according to the invention. Fig. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of an inverter module of a power converter arrangement according to the invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a wind turbine 1 connected to an AC power grid 6 in its initial operating state. Typically, such arrangements are equipped with a generator (not shown) that provides a time-varying AC voltage. This AC voltage 2, shown here as a purely exemplary three-phase voltage, is applied to the input 30 of a rectifier module 3. At its output 32, the rectifier module 3 generates a DC voltage that feeds a standard DC link 4.

[0026] The DC voltage of the DC link 4 is applied to the input 50 of an inverter module 5. The output 52 of this inverter module 5 is connected to a multi-phase AC network 6. Using this arrangement, current from the wind turbine 1 is fed into the AC network 6 via the aforementioned components.

[0027] The components of inverter module 5 are controlled in the first operating state in such a way that their switching and conduction losses are as low as possible, thus maximizing the efficiency of the entire arrangement and minimizing their losses as waste heat. This defines a permissible first maximum voltage Umax1 in the DC link 4.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a wind turbine 1 connected to an AC power grid 6 in its second operating state. In this state, the AC power grid 6, at least in one of its phases, has an increased voltage, which is fed back into the DC link 4 via the inverter module 5 and increases the voltage there to a value that is below a second maximum voltage Umax2.

[0029] The method according to the invention is carried out when the voltage in the DC link 4 lies between the first and second maximum voltages. The following is an example using the... Fig. 3 describes the presence of a voltage above the first maximum voltage in the DC link 4. Within this method, the semiconductor switches of the inverter module 5 are controlled in a second operating state by means of a control device in such a way that this state exhibits a slower switching behavior compared to the first operating state. Thus, a dynamic overvoltage at this semiconductor switch is reduced, so that a voltage applied to the semiconductor switch itself does not exceed the set blocking voltage of the semiconductor switch.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of an inverter module of a power converter arrangement according to the invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows various designs of the semiconductor switches for such a power converter arrangement, which are of course also used in the inverter modules according to the Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 uses can be found.

[0031] Shown here is a string of an inverter module 5, each formed by two-level half-bridge arrangements. A three-phase inverter module 5 thus has three of these half-bridge arrangements. Each two-level half-bridge arrangement has an upper and a lower semiconductor switch 50, 52, to which a freewheeling diode 544 is connected in parallel, as is the case with the middle semiconductor switch of the Fig. Figure 4 shows this semiconductor switch. It consists of a power transistor 54, for example an IGBT, with a freewheeling diode 544 connected in parallel, as is customary in the industry. Of course, as is also customary in the industry, the respective semiconductor switch 50, 52 can also have a plurality of power transistors and freewheeling diodes 544 connected in parallel.

[0032] The control input 508, 828 of the respective semiconductor switch 50, 52 forms the gate terminal 548 of the power transistor. The load input 500, 520 of the respective semiconductor switch 50, 52 is formed by the collector terminal 540 of the power transistor 54. The load output 502, 522 of the respective semiconductor switch 50, 52 is formed by the emitter terminal 542 of the power transistor 54.

[0033] Alternatively to this configuration, the respective semiconductor switch 50, 52 can intrinsically incorporate the freewheeling diode, as is the case, for example, with power MOSFETs 56. Here, too, a plurality of MOSFETs 56 connected in parallel can form the respective power switch, as is customary in the industry.

[0034] The control input 508, 528 of the respective semiconductor switch 50, 52 forms the gate terminal 568 of the MOSFET. The load input 500, 520 of the respective semiconductor switch 50, 52 is formed by the drain terminal 560 of the MOSFET 56. The load output 502, 522 of the respective semiconductor switch 50, 52 is formed by the source terminal 562 of the MOSFET 56.

[0035] The input of the upper semiconductor switch is connected to the positive branch of the DC link 4, while its output is connected to the input of the lower semiconductor switch 52. The center tap between the upper and lower semiconductor switches forms the AC output 60 of the respective half-bridge arrangement and is connected to the corresponding phase of the AC network 6. The output of the lower semiconductor switch 52 is connected to the negative branch of the DC link 4.

[0036] The feedback from the AC network 6 to the DC link 4 described above occurs via the freewheeling diodes, whereby an increased voltage in the AC network 6 directly leads to an increased voltage in the DC link 4, which is higher than the first maximum voltage Umax1 permissible in the first operating state. A second detection device 76 monitors the voltage in the DC link 4 to determine its voltage. In this configuration, this second detection device 76 is connected to the control unit 800 of the half-bridge arrangement, which switches between the first maximum voltage Umax1 and the second maximum voltage Umax2 in the second operating states when a voltage is present in the DC link 4. If the second maximum voltage Umax2 is exceeded, the control unit 800 completely switches off the respective half-bridge arrangement and the inverter 5.

[0037] In this configuration, in addition to the second detection device 76, a first detection device 74 is also provided, which monitors the operating temperature of the power converter 5. The measured value of this first detection device is taken into account by the control unit 800 for the switching process from the first to the second operating state. Furthermore, this measured value alone or in combination with other measured values ​​can also lead to the complete shutdown of the inverter 5.

[0038] In this configuration, in addition to the first and second detection devices 74, 76, a third detection device 78 is provided for monitoring the voltage in the AC network, the measured value of which is taken into account by the control unit 800 for the switching process from the first to the second operating state. Furthermore, this measured value alone or in combination with other measured values ​​can also lead to the complete shutdown of the inverter 5.

[0039] It can also be advantageous if, in addition to the aforementioned detection devices 74, 76, 78, a fourth detection device is available that monitors the operating time of the second operating state, the measured value of which alone or with other measured values ​​leads to the complete shutdown of the inverter 5.

[0040] The same applies, of course, to the change from the second to the first operating state.

[0041] For this purpose, the respective control unit 800 of the half-bridge arrangement is connected to the respective control input 508, 528 of the respective semiconductor switches 50, 52. To carry out the method according to the invention, the respective control unit 800 is designed such that, in the event of a first voltage increase of the voltage 600 in at least one phase of the AC voltage network 6, which leads to a second voltage increase of the voltage 400 of the DC intermediate circuit 4, at least one of the semiconductor switches 50, 52 is controlled in a second operating state in such a way that it exhibits a slower switching behavior compared to a first operating state. This reduces the dynamic overvoltage at this semiconductor switch 50, 52 to such an extent that the voltage 70, 72 applied to this semiconductor switch 50, 52 does not exceed the target blocking voltage of the semiconductor switch 50, 52.

[0042] For this purpose, the control unit 800 has a voltage source 810,820,830 which controls the respective semiconductor switch 50,52 and can supply the control input with different switching voltages and / or switching currents in the different operating states.

[0043] Furthermore, different resistance values ​​can be selected between the control unit 800 and the associated control input 508,528 in the different operating states with different electrical resistances 812,822,832.

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of an inverter module of a power converter arrangement according to the invention. Shown here is a string of an inverter module 5, each configured by a three-level bridge arrangement in NPC topology, as is customary in the art. A three-phase inverter module 5 thus has three of these bridge arrangements. Each three-level bridge arrangement has two series-connected upper and two series-connected lower semiconductor switches 52a, 52, which have an additional, customary neutral connection 44. The respective semiconductor switches can be fundamentally identical to those of the half-bridge arrangement according to [reference to relevant figure]. Fig. 3 be trained.

[0045] Naturally, the respective three-level bridge arrangement can also be configured in A-NPC topology or in a related topology.

[0046] Fig. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of an inverter module of a power converter arrangement according to the invention. Shown here is a string of an inverter module 5, each formed by a three-level bridge arrangement in a T-NPC topology, as is customary in the industry. A three-phase inverter module 5 thus has three of these bridge arrangements. The respective semiconductor switches can be essentially identical to those of the half-bridge arrangement according to [reference missing]. Fig. 3 be trained.

Claims

[1] Power converter arrangement for a wind turbine comprising a rectifier module (3) whose output (32) is connected to a DC link (4), an inverter module (5) whose input (50) is connected to the DC link (4) and whose output (52) is connected to a multi-phase AC network (6), wherein the inverter module (5) comprises a plurality of half-bridge arrangements, each with an upper and a lower semiconductor switch (50, 52), to which a freewheeling diode (544) is connected in parallel or is intrinsically present, wherein the respective control input (508, 528) of the respective semiconductor switches (50, 52) is connected to a control device (800), wherein this control device (800) is configured such that, upon a first voltage increase of the voltage (600) in at least one phase of the AC network (6),which leads to a second voltage increase of the voltage (400) of the DC link (4), in a second operating state at least one of the semiconductor switches (50, 52) is controlled in such a way that it exhibits a switching behavior that is slower than in a first operating state, such that a dynamic overvoltage at this semiconductor switch (50, 52) is reduced to such an extent that the voltage applied to this semiconductor switch (50, 52) does not exceed the target blocking voltage of the semiconductor switch (50, 52). [2] Power converter arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the DC intermediate circuit (4) has a permissible first maximum voltage (Umax1) in a first operating state which is significantly smaller than a second maximum voltage (Umax2) in the second operating state. [3] Power converter arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (800) includes a voltage source (810, 820, 830) that controls the respective semiconductor switch (50, 52) and can supply the control input (508, 528, 548, 568) with different switching voltages and / or switching currents in the different operating states. [4] Power converter arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein different resistance values ​​can be selected between the control device (800) and the associated control input (508, 528) in the different operating states with different electrical resistances (812, 822, 832). [5] Converter arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective half-bridge arrangement is configured as a two-level half-bridge arrangement or as a three-level bridge arrangement, preferably of the T-type, or as a multi-level bridge arrangement. [6] Power converter arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following detection devices is provided: • a first detection device (74) monitoring the operating temperature of the power converter (5); • a second detection device (76) monitoring a voltage in the DC intermediate circuit (4); • a third detection device (78) monitoring a voltage in the AC power network (6); • a fourth detection device that monitors the operating time of the second operating state. [7] Method for operating a power converter arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the control device (800) in a second operating state of the power converter arrangement controls at least one of the semiconductor switches (50, 52) in such a way that it exhibits a switching behavior that is slower than in the first operating state, such that a dynamic overvoltage at this semiconductor switch (50, 52) is reduced in such a way that a voltage applied to the semiconductor switch (50, 52) does not exceed the target blocking voltage of the semiconductor switch (50, 52). [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the value of the switching voltages (810, 820, 830) and / or switching currents supplied to the switching input (508, 528) is selected or changed. [9] Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the electrical resistance (812, 822, 832) arranged between the control device (800) and the associated control input (508, 528) is selected or changed. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein a selection is made between electrical resistors (812, 822, 832) with different resistance values. [11] Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein a first detection device (74) monitors an operating temperature of the converter (5) 6 and depending on this, a control device (800) switches between the two operating states or completely shuts down the inverter (5). [12] Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein a second detection device (76) monitors the voltage in the DC intermediate circuit (4) and depending on this, a control device (800) switches between the two operating states or completely shuts down the inverter (5). [13] Method according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein a third detection device (78) monitors the voltage in the AC power network (6) and depending on this, a control device (800) switches between the two operating states or completely shuts down the inverter (5). [14] Method according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein a fourth detection device monitors the operating time of the second operating state and, depending on this, a control device (800) switches between the two operating states or completely shuts down the inverter (5).

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