| Abstract |
Power density is a key performance factor in order to reduce the cost and size of a power converter.Because of the unknown junction temperature, today's design margins are relatively high to ensure safeand a reliable operation. In this paper, the on-state voltage drop is measured online for all insulated gatebipolar transistors (IGBTs) in the inverter, using advanced gate driver. The die temperature is estimatedand monitored on each device during power converter operation. Based on the monitored temperaturein real time, the maximum power capability is detected. The output power is increased until a safe operatingtemperature of power modules. This enable a power density is increased by 11.16 kW/litre to19.13 kW/litre in a low voltage power stack which is typically used in wind power converters. Experimentresults are shown for safe operation of converter at around 1.2 MW, which is built in a standardsize for the 600 - 700 kW. Furthermore, the 1700 V, 1000 A power module is replaced with a 1400 Amodule to increase the load current. |
