Electro-Thermal Design of a Modular Multilevel Converter Prototype
Conference: PCIM Europe 2016 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management
05/10/2016 - 05/12/2016 at Nürnberg, Deutschland
Proceedings: PCIM Europe 2016
Pages: 8Language: englishTyp: PDF
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Authors:
Coulinge, Emilien; Christe, Alexandre; Dujic, Drazen (Power Electronics Laboratory (PEL), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland)
Abstract:
This paper describes the electro-thermal design of a medium voltage modular multilevel converter prototype, from the submodule power semiconductor thermal requirements to the overall system level integration. The high number of semiconductors and capacitors involved are stressed differently depending on the actual operating conditions, as discussed in the paper. The presented design considers air cooling concept at the submodule level, with its enclosures used as air guide towards the chimney like structure. Forced air cooling is applied at the cabinet level. The numerical design is verified by means of 3-D finite element method simulations of different complexities.