Description:

5SHY3545L0009 3BHB013085R000 is desinged as ABB IGCT MODULE. The Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristor (IGCT) was introduced about 15 years ago and has established itself as a preferred solution for a number of high power electronics applications. These applications have in common that the rated power level is in the megawatts (MW) and they range from industrial drives and track-side supplies to power quality and high-current breakers. In this article we highlight the features making the IGCT so attractive for high power applications and we discuss the developments that will further strengthen the IGCT’s advantages in high power applications.

Due to 5SHY3545L0009 on-state operation in thyristor mode, the IGCT has inherently lower conduction losses than a comparable IGBT device. The buffer layer, which can be used with the IGCT as well as with the IGBT, is the common denominator that causes these two devices to have comparable switching losses (ignoring the higher turn-on losses of the IGBT, which implements gate-controlled di/dt for the diode recovery protection). The improved loss characteristics and snubberless operation allow cost-effective IGCT applications with switching frequencies in the range of 500 Hz to 2kHz.

5SHY3545L0009 combines all the important innovations needed for future power electronics applications and will become the key component for future medium- to high-voltage applications in the range from 0.5 MVA to several 100 MVA. It inherently enables simple and robust series connection of turn-off devices for high-power applications. The additional advantages of the IGCT over other turn-off devices (eg, low cost, low complexity and high efficiency) means that it has no real competition in this power range. 5SHY3545L0009 is available today from several manufacturers of high power semiconductors.

Application Fields

This gate unit is typically used in ABB medium-voltage drives employing IGCT technology—commonly seen in process industries where continuous duty and high power density are required. Real-world examples include:

• MV drive stacks in ACS-series systems for compressors, fans, and pumps in oil & gas or chemical plants
• Cement kiln drives and large mills where rugged switching and fast protection are critical
• Marine and mining applications using MV drives for propulsion, hoists, and conveyors
• Utility and industrial converters that rely on IGCT stacks for efficient, controllable power

One thing I appreciate is how consistently it integrates with the ABB ecosystem; in many cases, it’s a straight swap with minimal parameter adjustments when the rest of the stack is unchanged.