Abstract
High-voltage IGBT converters require IGBT series connection. To reduce the converter loss and simplify converter configuration, snubber circuits should be omitted. We have developed a technique for snubberless IGBT series connection by means of active-gate-control. Under the developed active-gate-control, the gate-voltage are set to increase with collector-voltage of each IGBT. The increased gate-voltage decreases IGBT impedance and limits the collector-voltage. The collector-voltages of the IGBTs connected in series can be balanced by clamping the collector-voltage of each single IGBT independently. Under the active-gate-control, the collector-voltages are directly converted to gate-voltage references, and the gate is charged before the collector-voltage reaches the clamping voltage. So the active-gate-control is so fast that the surge voltages at the recovery state can be clamped. Under the control the clamping voltage increases with increasing turn-off current and it is saturated at larger currents. By increasing the clamping voltage with increasing turn-off current, the increase of turn-off loss caused by collector-voltage clamping can be limited. Moreover saturating the clamping voltage at further higher currents prevents overvoltage failure.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 609-613 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | PESC Record - IEEE Annual Power Electronics Specialists Conference |
Volume | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 2002 Jan 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | 2002 IEEE 33rd Annual Power Electronics Specialists Conference (PESC) - Cairns, Australia Duration: 2002 Jun 23 → 2002 Jun 27 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Modelling and Simulation
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering