Novel Design Concept for Modular Multilevel Converter Power Modules
Conference: PCIM Europe 2014 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management
05/20/2014 - 05/22/2014 at Nürnberg, Deutschland
Proceedings: PCIM Europe 2014
Pages: 6Language: englishTyp: PDF
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Authors:
Waltrich, Uwe; Malipaard, Dirk; Schletz, Andreas (Fraunhofer Institute of Integrated Systems and Device Technology (IISB), Schottkystr. 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany)
Abstract:
Modular multilevel converters MMC are subdivided into identical submodules. Current high power systems for power transmission (i.e. HVDC) use state of the art industrial power semiconductor modules. Great improvements are possible by optimizing the construction of the power modules for the special boundary conditions in MMCs. A promising concept is to mount the bottom switch directly onto the heat sink, which removes unnecessary thermal and electrical isolation barriers. In this work the thermal resistances of different design concepts were simulated and compared to the state of the art. As a result, an improvement of 70% in the thermal performance is attainable, which was confirmed by measurements. First active reliability tests were performed for a noninsulating test assembly which shows lifetime results comparable to state of the art assemblies.