[In-depth analysis] What are the factors that affect the life of the inverter?
Time:2024-04-11
Views:286
As the core of power plants, the lifespan of inverters affects the normal operation of the entire power plant, and the lifespan of inverters has become a concern for everyone. So what are the factors that affect the lifespan of inverters? Below, we will deeply analyze the factors that affect the lifespan of inverters from the perspective of device lifespan, design, and installation factors.
Device lifespan
Inverters generally belong to switch mode power supplies, so their components can be basically divided into resistors, capacitors, diodes, power devices (IGBT or MOS transistors), inductors and transformers, current sensors, ICs, optocouplers, relays, etc.
The service life of resistors, patch capacitors, and ceramic capacitors can generally reach over 20 years. When designing inductors and transformers, as long as they do not exceed their material temperature, they are theoretically considered to be able to work for a long time without failure; Low power diodes and transistors can operate for over 100000 hours; The mechanical life of relays is generally over 1 million times, and the electrical life is greater than 10000 times; As long as the power device IGBT or MOS meets the design specifications, the lifespan is generally not considered. Fans and fuses are vulnerable components that will not affect the lifespan of inverters. If they are damaged, they only need to be replaced in a timely manner; The lifespan of thin film capacitors is over 100000 hours, while the lifespan of electrolytic capacitors is generally 2000-3000H at 105 ℃, and the lifespan is only 5000-6000H. However, as the temperature decreases by 10 ℃, the lifespan doubles. So in the inverter, the biggest shortcoming of the device is in the lifespan of the electrolytic capacitor.
Design factors
The lifespan of devices is the fundamental factor in ensuring the lifespan of inverters, but excellent design is the core factor in ensuring the lifespan of inverters. So what design factors will seriously affect the lifespan of the inverter and be difficult to detect in a short period of time?
Temperature is one of the important factors affecting the lifespan of inverters, especially for components such as electrolytic capacitors and optocouplers. For every 10 ℃ increase in temperature, the lifespan of electrolytic capacitors decreases by half. Excessive temperature can also accelerate the optocoupler‘s optical decay. However, the driving of IGBT is generally using optocouplers, so the failure of optocouplers can cause damage to IGBT.
When switching at zero current, the lifespan of a relay can reach one million times. However, as the switching current increases, the lifespan almost decays exponentially. Accurate software control to switch the relay at zero current angle is a key factor in ensuring the lifespan of the relay.
The working environment of inverters is generally harsh and subject to many interference factors, such as poor power grid quality, large local inductive loads, etc. If the inverter protection function and EMC design are not good, it is easy to be affected by external interference. Once the IGBT drive is disturbed, it is easy to mislead and cause the machine to explode.
Comprehensive factors
Although the string inverter has an IP65 protection level and can be installed indoors and outdoors, the quality of the installation environment also has a significant impact on the lifespan of the inverter. If the inverter is installed in an environment with direct sunlight, high humidity, and high pH, it will reduce the lifespan of the inverter, and it is easy to cause the inverter to overheat and load drop in an exposed environment, thereby affecting the power generation. So choosing a suitable installation environment is also a key factor in ensuring the lifespan of the inverter.
summary
Although there are many factors that can affect the lifespan of inverters, as long as the component selection is correct and the design is excellent, inverters can operate stably for at least 10 years. Therefore, it is recommended to choose top domestic and foreign brand inverters to safeguard your power station.
Patrick Qi
Patrick Qi
Gitenno