Degradation estimation techniques and reliability enhancement for power converter components
The CONFIA project, coordinated by Tecnalia, involves the participation of the School of Engineering of Mondragon Unibertsitatea (MU-EPS), EHU, Ikerlan, Zigor R&D, and the BASQUENERGY Cluster. The project is funded by the Basque Government through the Elkartek program.
Power electronic converters process more than 70% of electricity globally and are utilized in a wide variety of applications: renewable energy generation—such as wind or solar photovoltaic (PV)—auxiliary grid services, electric mobility, and more.
In all cases, the reliability of these converters is critical, both from a safety perspective and regarding application profitability (investment and maintenance). As an example, the power converter accounts for approximately 37% and 13% of failures in photovoltaic and wind generation systems, respectively.
The various components inside a power converter, such as semiconductors or passive elements—inductors and capacitors—undergo a physical degradation process specific to each component throughout the equipment’s service life.
Within this context, CONFIA has launched its activities. This collaborative fundamental research project was established to investigate and develop technologies to estimate the degradation state and increase the reliability of the two power electronics converter components with the highest failure rates: power semiconductors and capacitors.
In the case of power semiconductors, the project focuses on silicon IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) module technology due to its widespread implementation across various energy-related sectors.
Specific objectives of the CONFIA project
Among its specific objectives, CONFIA aims to create models to characterize the physical operating and thermo-mechanical degradation processes of IGBTs and power capacitors; develop non-invasive measurement systems to monitor various electrical parameters to predict the level of thermo-mechanical degradation and thermal stress in IGBTs; utilize advanced diagnostic and prognostic algorithms—based on data and AI—to diagnose and predict the degradation state of capacitors and IGBT packaging; and establish advanced control and modulation techniques to reduce thermal stress in IGBTs and harmonic stress in capacitors, thereby extending their useful life.
As a result of the research conducted within the project, the development of non-intrusive devices for IGBT semiconductors is anticipated for various uses: measuring collector-emitter voltage, measuring peak gate current, injecting high-frequency signals into the gate-emitter voltage, and measuring internal gate resistance.
The project is coordinated by Tecnalia and counts on the participation of five other agents from the Basque Network of Science, Technology and Innovation (RVCTI, by its Spanish acronym): the School of Engineering of Mondragon Unibertsitatea (MU-EPS), EHU (through the Department of Electronic Technology and the APERT research group, Applied Electronic Research Team), Ikerlan, BASQUENERGY Cluster, and Zigor R&D.
The partners of CONFIA are also supported by an Advisory Committee composed of representatives from AEG Power Solutions, CAF Power & Automation, Ingeteam, Jema Energy, and Orona, as potential beneficiaries of the research addressed in the project. Through periodic review meetings, this committee facilitates an exchange of information that integrates identified industry needs into the project activities, aligning the research with market demands.
The CONFIA project has a duration of 2 years and is funded by the Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Basque Government through the ELKARTEK program.
Project funded by the Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Basque Government (ELKARTEK 2025 Programme)
Eusko Jaurlaritzaren Industria, Trantsizio Energetiko eta Jasangarritasun Saila (ELKARTEK 2025 Programa) finantziatutako proiektua
Project funded by the Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Basque Government (ELKARTEK 2025 Programme)
If you would like to learn more about our applied research and technological development projects, please visit our Innovation section.
