Reliable Power Electronic Systems
The reliable power electronic systems group develops technologies that enhance the reliability and safety of power electronic systems. Our strong background in multiphysics modeling, system identification and electronic design enables addressing reliability engineering problems from new perspectives and promotes the development of disruptive technologies. This approach shall lead towards future smart power electronics by making the power module a multiphysics actuator and sensor. For this purpose, we develop modeling and characterization tools to simulate electrical, thermal and mechanical variables for arbitrary mission cycles. Consequently, we predict the degradation, lifetime and reliability of all components of the power electronic system.
A key focus of our group is real-time monitoring of power electronic systems. By combining reduced-order multiphysics models, integrated sensors, and system identification algorithms, we develop new monitoring technologies to extract reliability critical system variables, e.g., device losses, 3-D distributed temperatures, strain as well as electrical and thermal impedances. With this information, power electronic systems are protected from overload. Furthermore, degradation modes are diagnosed and the remaining lifetime of the converter components is continuously estimated. Another important research aspect are life-time-oriented control algorithms for converters that minimize thermomechanically-induced strain by reducing thermal cycles to increase service life and reliability. This approach allows reducing weight, volume and cost of future power electronic systems without compromising lifetime and reliability.
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Research Focus
- Converter and device characterization
- Multiphysics modeling
- Cyclization of converters for accelerated ageing
- Reliability and degradation modeling and simulation
- Real-time monitoring
- Degradation diagnosis and prognosis
- Reliability-oriented design approaches
- Multi-physics device and sensor integration
- Life-time enhancing control