Real-time condition monitoring of IGBT modules in PV inverter systems

This paper proposes a new method for the real-time condition monitoring of IGBT modules in PV inverter system. The proposed method uses only one monitoring parameter, VCE_ON and the wear-out failure modes of IGBT modules, bond-wire fatigue and solder joint fatigue can be distinguished by the VCE_ON values at two measurement points. Thus, it is cost-effective compared with using one more monitoring parameter in order to separate failure modes. Furthermore, the proposed method does not require re-characterizations of IGBT modules as it is worn out. Experimental results verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.