Abstract:
Systems and methods for operating a variable speed drive to receive an input AC power at a fixed AC input voltage and frequency and provide an output AC power at a variable voltage and variable frequency. The variable speed drive includes a converter stage to convert the input AC voltage to a boosted DC voltage, a DC link connected to the converter stage to filter and store the boosted DC voltage from the converter stage; and an inverter stage to convert the boosted DC voltage into AC power with variable voltage and the variable frequency. An integral bypass contactor is connected in parallel with the VSD between the AC power source and the AC output power. The integral bypass contactor is arranged to bypass the VSD when the VSD output frequency and voltage are approximately equal with the AC input voltage and frequency.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for synchronous operation of variable speed drives having active converters include extending the synchronous operation of an active converter to the AC mains voltage during complete line dropout. A phase angle control circuit includes a squaring amplifier, a first phase-lock loop circuit associated and a second phase-lock loop circuit. The squaring amplifier receives the AC power source and outputs a rectangular output signal to a pair of phase lock loop (PLL) circuits. The first PLL circuit with a first lag-lead filter is configured with a high cutoff frequency to provide the converter stage with a phase angle parameter; and the second phase-lock loop circuit including a second lag-lead filter configured to have a low cutoff frequency to provide the lag-lead filter the capability of storing the phase angle of the mains voltage during mains interruption.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for improved Variable Speed Drives are provided. One embodiment relates to apparatus for common mode and differential mode filtering for motor or compressor bearing protection when operating with Variable Speed Drives, including conducted EMI/RFI input power mains mitigation. Another embodiment relates to a method to extend the synchronous operation of an Active Converter to the AC mains voltage during complete line dropout. Another embodiment relates to an Active Converter-based Variable Speed Drive system with Improved Full Speed Efficiency. Another embodiment relates to a liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor. The liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor may be used in any application where liquid or refrigerant cooling is available and a reduction in size and weight of a magnetic component is desired.
Abstract:
A plastic liquid cooled variable speed drive or inductor provided. The cooler provides lightweight, space conservative, corrosive free cooling to the components as well as provides a mounting area for modules. A cooler can be mounted to the core of an inductor to absorb heat generated by the core losses.
Abstract:
A method or system consistent with this invention for detecting if a thyristor failed open in an alternating current input phase of a load comprises measuring an instantaneous power delivered to the load during a cycle of the input; determining a peak power delivered to the load during the cycle of the input; calculating an average power delivered to the load during the cycle of the input; and determining if the thyristor failed open by comparing the magnitudes of the peak power and the average power.
Abstract:
A surge detection system for use in a fluid system having a load driven by a centrifugal compressor, the compressor being driven by an electric motor. The surge detection system comprises a means for sensing a differential pressure developed across the compressor and a means for sensing a current representing input power to the motor. The surge detection system further comprises a first computing means responsive to the differential pressure developed across the compressor for indicating when a valid surge is occurring in the compressor, and a second computing means responsive to the variable speed drive current for indicating when a valid surge is occurring in the compressor.
Abstract:
An optocoupler circuit includes a switch connected in parallel with a photo LED, the photo LED having an anode and a cathode. The anode is connected to a power supply via a decoupling capacitor. The optocoupler circuit is arranged so that the switch turns on the photo LED when in the open position. When closed, the switch directs current flow through a series resistor to ground and shunts current flow away from the photo LED to turn off the photo LED. A second capacitor is connected to the cathode of the photo LED. The second capacitor is wired in series with a second switch and a current limiting resistor connected to ground. The first switch and second switch operate in complementary states to prevent the cathode connected capacitor from discharging. The disclosed optocoupler circuit provides the ability to function at increased levels of common mode voltage transients.
Abstract:
A plastic liquid cooled variable speed drive or inductor provided. The cooler provides lightweight, space conservative, corrosive free cooling to the components as well as provides a mounting area for modules. A cooler can be mounted to the core of an inductor to absorb heat generated by the core losses.
Abstract:
A method of providing ride-through capability in a chiller/refrigeration system employs a variable speed drive with an active converter stage, a DC link stage and an inverter stage for providing variable frequency and voltage to power at least one motor. An induction motor is coupled to the output of the inverter stage for driving a compressor in the chiller/refrigeration system. The ride-through method comprises operating the active converter to regulate the DC link voltage of the DC link stage to a predetermined voltage level until the current through the active converter equals a predetermined current limit, then transferring regulation of the DC link to the inverter upon reaching the current limit of the converter. The compressor is unloaded, and the power flow through the inverter is reversed to maintain the voltage level of the DC link stage. Pre-rotation vanes, slide valve, or check valve are used to unload the compressor.
Abstract:
A gate drive circuit for a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) connected in an a-c power circuit includes a voltage divider network connected between a d-c voltage source and the SCR for developing a varying voltage on a control node, depending upon whether the anode-to-cathode a-c voltage of the SCR is positive or negative. A first switching transistor, responsive to the control node voltage, controls conduction of a second switching transistor connected between the d-c voltage source and a voltage regulated driver circuit. In this way, a constant drive current is applied to the SCR gate only while the anode-to-cathode voltage of the SCR is positive.