Controller And Control Method

Abstract: A controller according to one embodiment of the present invention is for a power conversion device comprising: a semiconductor switching element that generates heat by power conversion; a heat sink of the semiconductor switching element; and a cooling mechanism that cools the heat sink. The controller includes an element temperature estimation unit and a control unit. The element temperature estimation unit derives an estimated value of the temperature of the semiconductor switching element by using either the drive amount of the semiconductor switching element or the temperature at a predetermined position within a prescribed range from the position of the semiconductor switching element. The control unit identifies an abnormal state of the cooling mechanism when the temperature difference between the estimated value of the temperature of the semiconductor switching element and the temperature at the prescribed position in the power conversion device has exceeded a predetermined threshold temperature. The threshold temperature is set to be lower than the upper limit temperature of an allowable range for the temperature difference and higher than a reference temperature predetermined in association with the calorific value of the semiconductor switching element.

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