An Overview of Multilevel Inverters Lifetime Assessment for Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract

Nowadays, due to advancements in power electronic devices as well as the rise in consumer awareness of the need to protect the environment on a global scale, many people are turning to the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in the distributed power generation side. In the field of power electronics, manufacturers need to develop products that have high lifespans. Power electronic device reliability is important for the maintenance of the device and may be scheduled under that information. Rather than preventing failures, reliability can be improved by predicting them. Even though some research has been conducted over the past few years to investigate the reliability of power electronic devices, the reliability is many common circuits has not been investigated and this leads to a big challenge for researchers. In this review paper, an overview of the grid-connected multilevel inverters for PV systems with motivational factors, features, assessment parameters, topologies, modulation schemes of the multilevel inverter, and the selection process for specific applications are presented. In this paper, the findings of a comprehensive reliability analysis of fundamental multilevel inverters are studied. To evaluate the reliability of three basic multilevel inverters, a calculation is made using each component’s mean time before its failure. Two techniques of computation approximate and exact were used to arrive at the final result. To calculate power losses in temperature-sensitive components such as diodes and switches, MATLAB Simulink is employed. In addition, the concept of oversizing photovoltaic (PV) arrays is presented in this study. This concept proposes that energy output may be increased by increasing the size of the PV array under conditions of poor solar irradiation. Finally, the mission-profile-based and Monte Carlo simulation-based methods process flows are discussed for the accurate lifetime prediction and reliability assessments of PV inverters in a real-time scenario, followed by a conclusion with future work.

A Review of Multilevel Inverter Topologies for Grid-Connected Sustainable Solar Photovoltaic Systems

“…This idea of "reliability" includes various aspects for assessing a device's reliability. Figure 28 shows reliability categories and how to calculate system reliability [103,144,206,207].…”

“…This idea of "reliability" includes various aspects for assessing a device's reliability. Figure 28 shows reliability categories and how to calculate system reliability [103,144,206,207]. Lifespan estimation is crucial, and a device's or part's lifespan can be estimated by calculating the mean time to failure.…”

“…The MTTR is the typical amount of time needed to repair broken equipment, and its value is directly proportional to the quantity of care it receives [103].…”

Investigation of novel control strategies for grid-connected photovoltaic inverters

“…They reflect a profound understanding of the complex interplay between technology, energy, and the environment, paving the way for a future where renewable energy is not just a part of the grid but a seamlessly integrated, intelligent, and responsive component of our energy ecosystem. The journey of exploration and innovation is far from over; it is continually evolving, propelled by the relentless pursuit of efficiency, sustainability, and harmony with the broader energy infrastructure [20][21][22]. As we stand on the brink of this transformative era, the collective endeavors in advanced control strategies for grid-connected photovoltaic inverters are not just shaping the future of renewable energy but are also redefining the paradigms of power generation, distribution, and consumption.…”

Experimental Investigations on Photovoltaic Interface Neutral Point Clamped Multilevel Inverter-Based Shunt Active Power Filter to Enhance Grid Power Quality

“…In order to address this limitation, a viable solution is to link the photovoltaic system with the electrical system through a multilevel inverter. It has numerous benefits, including decreased harmonic rates, reduced switching losses, and enhanced electromagnetic compatibility [16]- [19]. As explained in references [20], the use of NPC-based inverter design is extensive in architecture and is widely utilized in high and medium-power applications to compensate for reactive power and eliminate harmonics in power lines.…”