System for assured reliability in DC to AC power converters
View Patent ↗A distributed power generation system enabled for assured reliability comprises a direct current power source, a direct current to alternating current converter (DTAC), electrically coupled to the direct current power source, the DTAC comprising a reliability limiting component (RLC) and a sensor for sensing a measurable parameter of the RLC. A decision engine is communicatively coupled to the sensor, and is operable to determine a lifetime estimate for the RLC based on the measurable parameter. A service provider is communicatively coupled to the decision engine by a communication system to receive a signal communicating the lifetime estimate. The service provider schedules preventative maintenance based on the signal communicating the lifetime estimate.
1. A distributed power generation system enabled for assured reliability comprising:
a direct current power source;
a direct current to alternating current converter (DTAC) electrically coupled to said direct current power source, said DTAC comprising a reliability limiting component (RLC) and a sensor for sensing a measurable parameter of said RLC;
a decision engine communicatively coupled to said sensor, said decision engine operable to determine a lifetime estimate for said RLC based on said measurable parameter; and
a service provider communicatively coupled to said decision engine by a communication system to receive a signal communicating said lifetime estimate, said service provider scheduling preventative maintenance based on said signal communicating said lifetime estimate.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said RLC comprises a capacitor.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said sensor measures a voltage drop across said capacitor.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein said sensor measures a frequency of a ripple current of said capacitor.
5. The system of claim 2 wherein said sensor measures a current flowing out of said capacitor.
6. The system of claim 2 wherein said sensor measures a temperature of said capacitor.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said RLC comprises a power switch.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said sensor measures a voltage across said power switch.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein said sensor measures a temperature of said power switch.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein said power switch is selected from the group consisting of an integrated-gate insulated transistor, a field effect transistor, a gate turnoff device and an emitter turn-off device.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said direct current power source comprises a photovoltaic (PV) system.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein said RLC comprises an inverter for photovoltaics.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein said service provider schedules said preventive maintenance in off-daylight hours.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein said direct current power source comprises a microturbine.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein said service provider is not an integrator/installer of said direct current power source.
16. The system of claim 1 wherein said direct current power source is installed for a non-commercial customer.
17. The system of claim 1 wherein said decision engine is co-located with said DTAC.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication system comprises a large area network (LAN).
19. The system of claim 1 wherein said service provider make use of a just-in-time RLC replacement scheme.
20. The system of claim 1 wherein said decision engine provides said signal to said service provider when said lifetime estimate of said RLC is less than twenty percent.