Article ID: | iaor2013456 |
Volume: | 111 |
Issue: | 1 |
Start Page Number: | 86 |
End Page Number: | 94 |
Publication Date: | Mar 2013 |
Journal: | Reliability Engineering and System Safety |
Authors: | Zhang Cai Wen, Zhang Tieling, Chen Nan, Jin Tongdan |
Keywords: | markov processes |
Converters play a vital role in wind turbines. The concept of modularity is gaining in popularity in converter design for modern wind turbines in order to achieve high reliability as well as cost‐effectiveness. In this study, we are concerned with a novel topology of modular converter invented by Hjort, Modular converter system with interchangeable converter modules. World Intellectual Property Organization, Pub. No. WO29027520 A2; 5 March 2009, in this architecture, the converter comprises a number of identical and interchangeable basic modules. Each module can operate in either AC/DC or DC/AC mode, depending on whether it functions on the generator or the grid side. Moreover, each module can be reconfigured from one side to the other, depending on the system’s operational requirements. This is a shining example of full‐modular design. This paper aims to model and analyze the reliability of such a modular converter. A Markov modeling approach is applied to the system reliability analysis. In particular, six feasible converter system models based on Hjort’s architecture are investigated. Through numerical analyses and comparison, we provide insights and guidance for converter designers in their decision‐making.