Simulation and experimental research on transient temperature field of IGBT modules PWM inverter

Significant heat generation occurs during the operation of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs). This issue becomes more pronounced as IGBT modules advance to higher voltage and current levels, making thermal management increasingly challenging. This paper discusses the estimation of power losses in PWM inverters with IGBT modules, focusing on losses due to switching and conduction based on their control rules. A thermal management method using forced air cooling was designed and simulated. The results of the transient temperature field simulation demonstrated that the method could maintain the IGBT modules' working temperature within acceptable limits across all operating stages. A PWM inverter prototype with six IGBT modules was constructed and tested. The experimental results showed the good agreement with the simulation results. This investigation confirms that the electro-thermal model built according to SPICE is accurate and that the thermal management system, based on the IGBT modules' control rules, is suitable and effective.