An IGBT open-circuit fault detection method for modular multilevel converters

  • Binbin Li
  • , Yi Zhang
  • , Rongfeng Yang
  • , Gaolin Wang
  • , DIanguo Xu

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recently, the modular multilevel converter (MMC) has attracted increasing attentions due to its distinctive features, especially in the application of HVDC power transmission. One of the most significant characteristic of MMC is that it is composed of identical low-voltage submodules (SMs). As a result, the low-voltage IGBTs can be employed in each SM as the main power switch. However, since an MMC station usually contains hundreds of SMs, the IGBT becomes the most fragile component. In this paper, the failure characteristics of the IGBT open-circuit fault in a SM are firstly analyzed. Then, an observer-based IGBT open-circuit detection method is proposed, which can accurately detect the fault by comparing the estimated values with the actual sampled values. Finally, the validity and effectiveness of the proposed fault detection method are demonstrated by experimental results based on a single-phase MMC prototype in the laboratory.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication9th International Conference on Power Electronics - ECCE Asia
Subtitle of host publication"Green World with Power Electronics", ICPE 2015-ECCE Asia
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1573-1578
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9788957082546
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Jul 2015
Event9th International Conference on Power Electronics - ECCE Asia, ICPE 2015-ECCE Asia - Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Duration: 1 Jun 20155 Jun 2015

Publication series

Name9th International Conference on Power Electronics - ECCE Asia: "Green World with Power Electronics", ICPE 2015-ECCE Asia

Conference

Conference9th International Conference on Power Electronics - ECCE Asia, ICPE 2015-ECCE Asia
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CitySeoul
Period1/06/155/06/15

Keywords

  • Fault detection
  • modular multilevel converter (MMC)
  • open circuit fault
  • submodule (SM)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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