Multilevel IGBT Medium Voltage AC Drives on a Common DC Link-Performance and Reliability of the Usinor Tandem Cold Mill Tension Reels

摘要

The need for high performance and reliable variable - speed AC drives at the Usinor tandem cold mill was filled by using medium-voltage multilevel PWM drives. Each tension reel is driven by one IGBT 4-level inverter that provides high-quality voltage and current waveforms, and is used in conjunction with a standard synchronous motor. This is achieved without the use of a heavy sine wave filter that would downgrade the drive dynamic performances. The inverter design and the DC link configuration give outstanding features to the drive: low cost, simplicity, reliability, efficiency and high dynamic performances. Field operation feedback will be presented and a comparative review with other available AC drive technology will be discussed.