Methodology for thermal modeling, monitoring and control of power electronic modules

• Verfahren zur thermischen Modellierung, Überwachung und Regelung von Leistungsmodulen

van der Broeck, Christoph Henrik; de Doncker, Rik W. (Thesis advisor); Lorenz, Robert D. (Thesis advisor)

Aachen : ISEA (2018, 2019)
Book, Dissertation / PhD Thesis

In: Aachener Beiträge des ISEA 119
Page(s)/Article-Nr.: 1 Online-Ressource (viii, 290 Seiten) : Illustrationen, Diagramme

Dissertation, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, 2018

Abstract

The reliable and safe operation of power electronics is of great importance in most applications. A conservative approach is the strategic oversizing of converters. In contrast, this work proposes a model-based methodology for thermal monitoring and control of power modules as a cost-saving alternative that avoids oversizing with a variety of new technologies. By combination of finite volume modeling and model reduction techniques, ultra-compact real-time models were developed for accurate observer-based monitoring of 3-D distributed temperatures at critical material interfaces. In-situ thermal impedance spectroscopy is introduced to characterize the thermal interface of power modules. This enables the identification and diagnosis of degradation mechanisms based on artificial neural networks. Active thermal state-feedback control actively reduces thermal cycles by manipulating adaptive gate resistances and the switching frequency to extend the lifetime of power modules. The proposed methodology aims to ensure safe and reliable operation of compact converters over a longer lifetime.