12.2 Component Replacement
The inverter is composed of various electronic components including semiconductor elements.
Periodic inspection of the following components is necessary, as their characteristics will change over
time due to their structure or
material. This may cause inverter performance to decrease and may lead
to more serious
failures.
1 ) Cooling fan
The
lifetime of the cooling fan (used to cool heat-generating components such as the main circuit
semiconductor elements) is approx.
30,000 hours (approx. 2 to 3 years of continuous operation). If
abnormal noise or vibration is detected during a periodic inspection and the fan is determined to be
the cause, it must be replaced.
2)
Smoothing capacitor
Large-capacity aluminum electrolytic capacitors are used for smoothing
in
the main circuit
DC
section.
The characteristics of these capacitors
will deteriorate over time due to ripple current, etc. The time
period involved is
largely dependent upon the ambient temperature and the operating conditions, but
when operated under normal conditions, replacement
is
required approx. every 5 years.
(On 3.7kW and smaller units, the smoothing capacitors are located on the PCB, so the PCB must also
be replaced.)
Capacitor appearance inspection and evaluation standards:
a)
Is any fluid leaking?
b)
Is the knob (safety valve) protruding or expanded?
c)
Measure the capacitance and leakage current.
* A time guideline for the replacement period of these components can be established by checking the
cumulative run time monitor.
Table
12-1
Standard component replacement periods
Part name
Standard replacement period
Cooling fan
2 to 3 years (Approx.
30,000 hours)
Smoothing capacitors 5 years
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