Measuring structure functions of power devices in inverters. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aliyu, Attahir M.; Castellazzi, Alberto
• Is Part Of: Microelectronics and reliability. Volume 79(2017)
• Page Start: 395
• Page End: 404
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability -- Periodicals; Miniature electronic equipment -- Periodicals; Appareils électroniques -- Fiabilité -- Périodiques; Équipement électronique miniaturisé -- Périodiques; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability; Miniature electronic equipment; Periodicals; 621.3815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.microrel.2017.03.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0026-2714

Abstract

Abstract: This paper proposes the measuring of structure function from power devices on-board induction motor drives and multilevel converters. It puts forward the issues and methodology related to on-board measurement of the cooling curve and derivation of the structure function during idle times in induction motor drives for maintenance purposes. The structure function uses the thermal resistances and capacitances in the Cauer form to identify changes in the device structure. The advantage of the structure function is that it does not only reveal the value but also the location of the thermal resistance and capacitance in the heat flow path. The novelty in this work is the methodology used to achieve the measurement of the cooling curve and obtaining the structure function despite issues related to freewheeling current due to energy stored as a result of motor inductance. A detailed description of the measurement circuit is presented. The possibility of applying this technique to multilevel converters in different application is also elaborated. Highlights: Extracting thermal transients and obtaining structure function on-board Implementation of a control strategy to heat up devices on-board Accurate measurement design without interfering with converter operation Application of structure function to multilevel inverters