Background for document preview
Background for thumbnail

IGBT power modules utilizing new 650 V IGBT3 and Emitter Controlled Diode3 chips for three level converter

Recently the three level Neutral-Point-Clamped topology (NPC) known from high power applications is also applied in low and medium power applications to exploit specific advantages in system level design. Applications requiring filters, like UPS systems or PV inverters benefit from improved spectral performance and lower specific switching loss of lower voltage class devices. Up to now setting up a three level phase leg has only been possible by applying discrete devices or combining at least three modules. By integrating a three level phase leg into a single module, adapting chip technology for slightly higher breakdown voltage and providing a simple solution for driving this topology becomes more appealing for new projects. The three level Neutral-Point-Clamped inverter has been first presented by Nabae et al. in 1981 using bipolar power transistors. Later this topology was successfully applied in designing inverters for traction applications operating from 750 V DC and industrial inverters connected to the 690 V AC mains before 1700 V IGBTs became available. Today this topology is used in many designs of variable speed drives operating on medium voltage and using GTOs, IGCTs or high voltage IGBTs.

•
325.16 KB
•
31/01/2011