IGBT Cosmic Ray Failure Mitigation via Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) in power converters, used in renewable energy systems like wind turbines, are prone to failure due to cosmic rays, as high-energy particles can permanently damage them when they are in the blocking region and hit by these particles.
Innovation Solution
A method to increase or maintain the temperature of power semiconductor devices, such as IGBTs, during periods when the renewable energy power source is below a predetermined threshold, by adjusting coolant temperature, fan speed, or switching frequency, to prevent cooling and increase switching power loss, thereby reducing the likelihood of cosmic ray-induced failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the power semiconductor device is cooled to maintain efficient operation during normal conditions, then the efficiency and performance are improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to cosmic ray damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts its operation based on system state. During normal operation, full cooling is applied to maintain efficiency. During low-power periods or shutdown states, cooling is reduced or stopped to allow temperature rise that prevents cosmic ray damage. This dynamic switching between cooling modes resolves the contradiction between maintaining low temperature for efficiency and allowing temperature rise for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the power semiconductor device based on operating conditions. By controlling the cooling system to adjust the device temperature according to power level and operational state, the system optimizes both efficiency (through adequate cooling during high power) and reliability (through temperature maintenance during low power states).
2Reliability
If the power semiconductor device is kept at higher temperature to improve reliability, then the resistance to cosmic ray damage is improved, but the operational efficiency deteriorates due to increased power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system operates periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. During high-power operational periods, cooling is active to maintain efficiency. During low-power periods or between operational cycles, cooling is reduced or stopped to maintain temperature for reliability. This periodic action pattern allows the system to achieve both reliability and efficiency at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control is dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts cooling intensity based on real-time operational requirements, power level, and thermal state. This dynamic control allows optimization of the temperature parameter to balance reliability benefits against efficiency costs depending on current system needs.
3Temperature
If the cooling system operates continuously to maintain low temperature, then the thermal management is improved, but the IGBT reliability deteriorates due to cosmic ray susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts or removes the continuous cooling requirement during specific operational phases. By discontinuing or reducing cooling during low-power states or shutdown periods, the system allows temperature to rise to levels that provide cosmic ray protection. This selective removal of the cooling function resolves the contradiction between thermal management and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system operates periodically rather than continuously. It activates during high-power operational periods for thermal management and deactivates or reduces operation during low-power periods to maintain temperature for reliability. This periodic operation pattern allows both thermal management and reliability goals to be achieved at appropriate times.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the reliability of IGBTs by keeping them at a higher temperature, reducing the risk of damage from cosmic rays and extending their lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling system may be used to maintain or reduce the temperature of the power semiconductor device
Implementation Method 2
increase switching power loss
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a renewable energy power system driven by at least one renewable energy power source and having at least one current conversion device includes determining a temperature of power semiconductor device(s) of the current conversion device(s). The method also includes determining whether an amount of power of the renewable energy power source(s) is above a predetermined threshold. Further, the method includes increasing or maintaining the temperature of the power semiconductor device(s) during periods of time when the amount of the renewable energy power source(s) is below the predetermined threshold.