General Electric Company
System and Method for Controlling Multiple IGBT Temperatures in a Power Converter of an Electrical Power System

Abstract:

A method for monitoring and controlling IGBT temperature in a power converter of an electrical power system includes generating a plurality of temperature signals from a plurality of switching devices via a plurality of temperature sensors. The method also includes selecting a primary switching device from the plurality of switching devices to estimate a primary temperature thereof. Further, the method includes determining the primary temperature of the primary switching device via a temperature measurement circuit communicatively coupled to the primary switching device. Moreover, the method includes comparing remaining temperature signals (or a function thereof) to the primary temperature via at least one comparator circuit. If one of the remaining temperature signals (or the function thereof) exceeds the primary temperature, the method also includes implementing a control action to address the increased temperature.