The 10 kV IGCT-a new device for medium voltage drives

In order to find the optimum solution for 6.9 kV medium voltage drives (MVD) and power quality applications, IGCT devices with a blocking voltage of up to 10 kV were investigated by numerical device simulation. With such devices, the complicated series connection can be avoided. The new devices fulfill all requirements, including cosmic ray stability, and operation without turnoff snubber. In addition, the maximum output power of a three-level inverter equipped with 10 kV IGCTs was calculated. With careful device design, an apparent output power of the inverter of 5 MVA with a single IGCT switch per position is feasible.