IGCTs in Soft Switching Power Converters

This paper investigates the behavior of Integrated Gate Commutated Thyristors (IGCTs) at soft switching. Initially soft switching Voltage Source Inverters are presented which are promising candidates for high power industrial or traction applications (S≥500kVA). A test circuit is derived, which enables an experimental investigation of 51mm (4500V; 650A) reverse conducting IGCTs as Zero Voltage Switch, Zero Current Switch and at hard switching. The occurring IGCT and diode switching transients are analyzed and measured switching losses are discussed. Additionally the impact of soft switching on the gate drive is considered. The results achieved enable a first evaluation of the potential of IGCTs at soft switching.

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