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TMDSSOLARUINVKIT: Short Circuit

Nicholas Barry
Prodigy 80 points

Part Number: TMDSSOLARUINVKIT

We are attempting to use these development kits to emulate PV generation in a smart grid.  We started with the original build 3 and adjusted the AC voltage for our 26 volt emulated grid.  We also disabled MPPT since we are using a DC power source for the inverter input.  The board ran without issue with these two modifications.  The third modification was to change the code so that the inverter board booted up in PVinverter active mode (the idea was to have the boards run without having to be flashed/initialized each time they are power cycled).  The first time we ran the code it booted up and operated without issue.  The second time the controls were not responsive and we observed that even with the controller off the board draws current from the source indicating a possible short.  I examined the board and was unable to see any visible damage.    I have tried using pervious versions of the code with no impact. I would appreciate any support you can provide.

  • 0
    TI__Expert 5940 points
    Hello,

    I am writing to let you know that a C2000 team member has been assigned to this post and should be answering shortly.

    Regards,
    Elizabeth
  • 0 in reply to Elizabeth Joy
    TI__Mastermind 43730 points
    Nicholas,

    Most likely there is some damage to power components and re-testing with the builds may not help.

    You might have to replace some FETs, or gate drivers..

    I would look on the flyback side specially around the gate driver..
  • 0 in reply to Manish Bhardwaj
    Prodigy 80 points

    Manish,

    Thank you for the response.  I will take another look at the fly back side gate drivers.  

    Do you think that the damage could be caused by the implementation of the code or a defect in the board ?

    If it is not the code, can we exchange the board for a new one covered under the warranty?

     If you think the code could be at fault, can I send our code version to you for you to review ? 

  • 0 in reply to Nicholas Barry
    TI__Mastermind 43730 points
    Nicholas,

    I believe per your post everything worked when you ran the code as we provided,

    When some additional changes were done, it suffered some damage. So there is no service we have in which we can provide repairs to a board or replacement unfortunately.

    It has been some years since we released this design so my knowledge may be little rusty... but if you can point to what specific areas you changed that can help in if we can provide any suggestions to change etc..

    regards
    Manish
  • 0 in reply to Manish Bhardwaj
    Prodigy 80 points

    Manish,

    Thank you for the response.  Any suggestions you have would be great. 

    Everything worked at first with the code provided, but I am trying separate a fatigue failure from a failure possible induced by changes to the code.  The last changed I made to the code:

    (starting with build 3 ,MMPT off, Grid connect on) 

    settings.h file:

    line 84 GRID_OVER_UNDER_VRMS_LIMIT changed to 15 V  //(we have a 26 V grid)

    line 88 UNIVERSAL_MIN_VRMS changed to 15 V //(we have a 26V grid)

    main.c file:

    line 651 Gui_INVStart = 1 //I changed this to start the inverter at power on 

    I ran that code on the board and it ran fine.  Then I tried to boot the inverter board from the flash by putting  GPIO-34 and TDO into the 1 position and disabling JTAG (SW3 trust control), which was successful.  The inverter booted and went into pv_inverter active mode, observable through Code Composer Studio.  However, that was the last time that it worked. The next time I observed the problem described above. 

    If it is easier for you I can email you both the settings.h and main.c files.