Feature

Medium voltage drives deliver more than twice the previous rated power

WEG has more than doubled the maximum power of its air-cooled MVW01 medium voltage variable speed drives - from 6.5MW to 16MW for voltages from 2.3kV to 4.16kV.

15/03/2015 10:45:57

The overall product line now covers the voltage range from 2.3kV to 6.9kV and the rated power range from 400kW to 16MW; a water-cooled version is also available, offering up to 40 percent higher rated power than the air-cooled one. Efficiency levels are more than 99 percent.

WEG’s MVW01 variable speed drive features voltage source inverter (VSI) topology with a three-phase rectifier, dc link and multi-level output converter using Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) technology with 3/5 voltage level for output voltages from 2.3kV to 4.16kV or 5/9 voltage level for output voltages from 6.0kV to 6.9kV.

Specifically designed for the harsh conditions of traction applications, the frequency inverter is equipped with the latest generation of insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) for voltages up to 6.5kV – and a dc link with a 12-pulse bridge rectifier, with 18-, 24- or 36-pulse rectifiers available as an option.

The drive has exceptionally good dynamic characteristics with the multi-pulse diode configuration of the input rectifier offering a power factor over 97 percent, which translates into lower demand for incoming current and thus less costs.

Driven by the Optimised Pulse Pattern (OPP) clocking method developed by WEG, the output stage topology of the inverter (multi-level NPC) enables optimal switching behaviour that reduces motor current harmonics to an absolute minimum.

The drives are housed in IP41-rated cabinets and support all commonly used network protocols, including DeviceNet, Modbus, Profibus DP and Ethernet.

Flow-through ventilation with top-mounted fans provides extremely effective heat dissipation and a low noise level (less than 75dBA).

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.