6.5 kV IGBT switch realization possibilities and their feasibility study for high-power applications

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia.

2 Gdynia Maritime Academy, Gdynia, Poland.

Abstract

Abstract:
In recent years, the demand for the high-voltage (HV) conversion applications such as
high-voltage inverters, high-voltage pulse generators, high-voltage DC transmission
lines, flexible AC transmission systems, high-voltage DC traction, etc., have been
increased. This requires primary inverter switches with the high-voltage blocking
capability to be implemented. The latest trend in high-voltage high-power electronics is
connected to the implementation of single high-voltage IGBT modules. These devices
(produced by Infineon, ABB, IXYS, DYNEX, etc.) are basically designed for the HV
applications with the nominal DC-link voltage of 3.6 kV. Single HV IGBT gives an
attractive possibility to avoid series connection of transistors thus achieving better
efficiency, power density and reliability compared to the combined HV switch designs.
But the single HV IGBT is relatively slow in operation as compared to series-connected
IGBTs with the lower voltage blocking capability. Thus, the opportunity of using each
of the above HV IGBT switch solutions (i.e., series-connected IGBT or single HV
IGBT) into the different applications should make factors related to the circuit
complexity, cost, efficiency, dimensions, and reliability of the designed system. This
paper presents the feasibility study of the different IGBT switch solutions for the
6.5 kV/200 A application.

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