Optimal design of the back-to-back IGBT-based converter with the concept of systematic safe operating area

The key parameters of SOA (safe operating area) of semiconductor devices are hard to be measured when converter is operating, which is not helpful to protect converter at any time. On the other hand, surplus estimating method is widely used to design the main circuit. In order to guarantee the whole system works safely and improve utilization rate of devices, the concept of SSOA (systematic safe operating area) is presented. By determining the relationship of key parameters between devices and converter, the expression of SSOA is described quantitatively. Then it is implemented as a basic rule to design a back-to-back converter based on IGBT for 55kW induction motor optimally. Rated value of DC-link voltage and grid filter of the system is obtained reasonably as well.