The use of acoustic emission elastic waves as diagnosis method for insulated-gate bipolar transistor

Abstract

The article describes research into the use of acoustic emission elastic waves (AE) for diagnosing insulated-gated bipolar transistors (IGBTs). Currently used in many modern shipboard power electronic systems, IGBTs are crucial components required to operate with extreme reliability. The acoustic emission elastic waves method was used to determine the acoustic signals of switching transistor and can be used to monitor early stages of damage. Transistor diagnostics makes use of selected frequency descriptors of AE and appropriate signal analysis.

KEYWORDS:

• IGBT transistor
• acoustic emission
• inverters
• marine power electronic systems
• offshore vessels

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

ORCID

Artur Bejger http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5392-1979

Maciej Kozak http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0062-1590

Radosław Gordon http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6340-633X

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Artur Bejger

Artur Bejger, PhD Eng., is Professor at Maritime University of Szczecin. The fields of his research interests include diagnostics, maintenance and forecasting of machinery, equipment and technical systems. Throughout his work dealt with research related to the use of elastic waves of acoustic emission to identity condition called ‘Difficult to diagnose’ devices – mainly on ships. In addition, he developed his interests related to the repair and regeneration and installation of machinery. Research was verified in practice, as exemplified by many orders of scientific and industrial research, extensive cooperation with shipping companies and repair as well as publications presented in the form of papers, statements, and scientific conferences. He was proposing and finding effective methods to allow non-invasive diagnosis of the injection system for internal combustion engines using injection system failure information contained in the signal of acoustic emission of elastic waves.

Maciej Kozak

Maciej Kozak, PhD Eng., is Professor at Maritime University of Szczecin. The main research activity of the author is the control of power electronics systems used in power plants utilising variable speed generators. The topics of the interest is investigation of influence of the energy storage systems on the operation of the variable speed generators and the phenomena associated with uneven power distribution between DC–DC and AC–DC converters. One of the side areas of interest is the development of diagnostic methods using acoustic emission allowing early notification of possible semiconductor structures damage. The author directs research programme related to the study of acoustic emission phenomena in semiconductors of devices operating at medium voltage.

Radosław Gordon

Radosław Gordon, MSc. Eng. is Assistant at Maritime University of Szczecin. Currently working on his PhD thesis on Acoustic Emissions in Power Semiconductors. In this subject he is conducting research in the laboratory of ‘Green Energetics’ of Maritime Academy in Szczecin. He is also a lecturer of subjects related to electrical engineering and conducts laboratory classes in this field. He studies inverter devices and their influence on mechanical systems, e.g. higher harmonics on destruction of bearings in electric machines.