Thermal design considerations for 12kV SiC n-IGBT based 3L NPC converter

Transformer less Intelligent Power Substation (TIPS) is a solid state replacement for the conventional bulky distribution transformers used for 13.8kV and 480V grid interconnectivity. A 100kVA 3L NPC converter is being built using 12kV SiC n-IGBT for the high voltage grid interface. In this paper, detailed thermal behavior of this converter is studied for optimum thermal design. The thermal profile at the die level at different power factor of operation is studied. This study helps the optimum component placement in the converter. Also it shows that the operating modes of the converter play a key role in optimum thermal design.