IGCT-a new emerging technology for high power, low cost inverters

Author

Steimer, P.K. ; Gruning, H.E. ; Werninger, J. ; Carroll, E. ; Klaka, S. ; Linder, S.

Author_Institution

ABB Ind. AG, Switzerland

Volume

5

Issue

4

fYear

1999

Firstpage

12

Lastpage

18

Abstract

The integrated gate commutated thyristor (IGCT) includes all the important innovations needed for future power electronic applications. The IGCT is an important contribution to high power electronics. It will be the key component for future medium to high-voltage applications from 0.5 MVA up to several 100 MVA. It inherently enables simple and robust series connection of high power turn-off devices for high power applications. Due to its additional advantages of low cost, low complexity and high efficiency, compared with any other turn-off device, the IGCT has no real competition fear in this power range. This paper discusses the work of one manufacturer in the development of the IGCT and its characteristics

Keywords

commutation; invertors; thyristor convertors; thyristors; IGCT; emerging technology; high efficiency; high power inverters; high-voltage applications; integrated gate commutated thyristor; low cost inverters; medium-voltage applications; power electronic applications; robust series connection; turn-off device; Costs; Current density; Insulated gate bipolar transistors; Inverters; Power electronics; Semiconductor diodes; Semiconductor optical amplifiers; Silicon; Thyristors; Voltage;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Industry Applications Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1077-2618

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/2943.771362

Filename

771362