Reliability of Modern Power Electronic-based Power Systems

Abstract

This paper introduces a systematic approach based on the V-shaped model-based reliability analysis for design and planning of power electronic-based power systems (PEPS). According to this concept, the system performance is analyzed employing the physics of failure mechanisms in each components of different units in PEPS. This will facilitate optimal and economic design of power converters as well as economic decision-making in planning of PEPS. Moreover, it helps to identify the weakest units and its components that can in turn help in reinforcement planning and spare unit optimization in PEPS. The viability of the proposed approach is illustrated on a DC distribution network and numerical analyses show how the proposed model-based reliability assessment approach can help to do optimal planning and design of future PEPS. I. IntroductionGreen transition has gained increasing interest recently from policy makers all over the world and electrification is one of the pragmatic and efficient approaches to make greener society of the future. New and advanced green technologies are introduced in different energy sectors for different applications. The most important ones are electronic transmission systems, e-transportation, renewable generations, smart homes, and power-to-gas [1]. Thus, the future energy systems are becoming interconnected and dependent on electric power networks. Furthermore, most of the above-mentioned technologies require power electronic converters for energy conversion, thus making power networks more power electronic based power systems (PEPS). As a result, the performance of the energy systems depends on the short-and long-term characteristics of power converters due to the fact that the converters are vulnerable systems [2]-[10].According to the filed experience, power converters can affect the power systems performance [2], [11], [12]. Depending on the design and control characteristics of the converters, they can enhance or deteriorate the power system performance. Their characteristics are divided into short-term mainly associated with their control and longterm mainly associated with their lifetime and thereby their failures. Control-oriented characteristics can help interoperability of power grids with proper voltage and frequency support. Moreover, it can deteriorate the power grid performance by inducing stability issues. On the other hand, their long-term characteristics are affected by different stressors such as mission profiles, thermal cycling, humidity and vibration, thus casing wear-out failures, which are in turn limiting the end of life of converters. This will affect the power delivery performance in PEPS. The main focus of this paper is on the long-term performance of the PEPS.There are several solutions to guarantee the desired long-term performance of the PEPS. These solutions are performed at different levels attributed to the characteristics of devices, converters and the power system [13], [14].

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