Dependency of the lifetime estimation of power modules in fully rated wind turbine converters on the modelling depth of the overall system

In this paper, a detailed model of a 2 MW wind turbine system with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), including the aerodynamics, the mechanics, and the electrical domain is presented. It is then used to examine the influences of the level of detail in the model of a wind turbine system on the calculated lifetime consumption of the converter's power modules. This is done by comparing the lifetime calculations of the detailed model with the ones of simplified models. While the results show that the dynamic effects of the wind turbine components do not essentially affect the life expectancy of the generator-side converter, it has to be considered that additional control measures like the damping of drive train oscillations might do.