Mission profile-oriented reliability design in wind turbine and photovoltaic systems

This chapter has discussed the developments and requirements for the power electronics technology in renewable energy systems, where the reliability performance is especially focused. The state-of-the-art converter solutions for wind turbine and PV systems have been presented. Principles, concepts, paradigm shifts, and practical issues about how to achieve more reliable power electronics have been discussed with consideration of mission profile. Case studies on wind turbine and PV systems, which demonstrate how to translate mission profiles into the lifetime of power semiconductor devices, have also been presented. It is concluded that, with the thriving development of renewable energy technology, the reliability of the associated power electronics is getting more and more critical. Consequently, there are many emerging challenges as well as technology opportunities to achieve more reliable power electronics in various applications. It is also worth mentioning that at present reliability calculation and analysis for power electronics are ongoing. Thus, many other issues beyond advancing power semiconductor technology should also be taken into account in the final product.