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ENERGIX-Stort program energi

Intelligent Medium Voltage Modular Multi-level Converter for Environmental Energy

Alternative title: Intelligent Mellomspent Modulær fler-nivå Omformer for Miljøvennlig Energy

Awarded: NOK 0.66 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

295992

Project Period:

2019 - 2020

Funding received from:

Location:

Subject Fields:

The market of renewable energy has increased considerably. Especially the wind power has proven to be, even without subsidies, one of the lowest cost of electrical energy. In Offshore Wind it is estimated an increase in power and turbine wing span from today?s 150 m to more than 250 m. The power rating is increasing from today?s 10 MW upwards towards probably 15 MW. In the Marine and Oil & Gas business, increased power ratings will also be required for several applications. Such an increase in power will require Medium Voltage drives, i.e. an increase of voltage rating from 690 V to Medium Voltage-range. In this project a prototype for an Intelligent Medium Voltage Modular Multi-Level Converter (IM3C) will be developed. Both Silicion and Silicon Carbide devices will be evaluated. Increased availability is required by the customers. Intelligent gate drivers and control system will be developed to make it possible to use the drive as intelligent sensor. The goal is to increase the availability for the drive system and be able provide lifetime estimation and predictive maintenance. 3D multi-physic analysis will be applied for optimized converter design. The R&D challenges is to design a converter which utilize the component closer to their limits to reduce cost, weight and volume. This will require fast intelligent gate drivers to control and protect the devices. In addition, a control structure enabling reconfiguration of the drive during operation will be developed.

The Switch have developed new advanced gate drivers as well as new high speed serial link protocols. NTNU has acquired experience with Comsol MultiPhysics for 3D simulation of electromagnetic and thermal effects inside Power Modules.

In this project an Intelligent Medium Voltage Modular Multi-level Converter to be used in Environmental Energy Applications will be developed. Due to the required increased power ratings, a Medium Voltage converter solution is required. Different converter topologies will be investigated and one topology will be selected for implementation in a prototype converter. To reduce cost and volume, it is required to utilize the components closer to their limits. This means carefully consideration of converter design and intelligent gate drivers for optimal utilization of the semiconductor device. The effect on reliability of the converter has to be investigated in details. 3 D analysis of electromagnetic and thermal effects will be performed. A prototype converter will be build and tested.

Funding scheme:

ENERGIX-Stort program energi