Medium voltage petrochemical drives : soft start and adjustable speed systems

Medium voltage synchronous machines are used for large petrochemical compressor motor drives (>13 MW) at high application voltages (e.g. +-11 kV). Limited research exists on the application of Voltage Source Inverters (VSIs) for these petrochemical loads. An application concept is described where the converter is used to start several motors and to drive one at adjustable speed. Associated benefits in terms of availability, hazardous areas and switching surge overvoltages are outlined. A technology feasibility study illustrates that new VSI Cascaded H Bridge (CHB) technology and the application concept is economically feasible. Ultimately the research illustrates how and where new VSI technology can economically be applied with a significantly lower risk level.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Electrical Engineering

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Endrejat, Frieder

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Pillay, Pragasen

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10431

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/10431