| Abstract |
The resonant DC link inverter (RDCLl) is one of the most promising soft switching topologies recently proposed, with a potential to replace PWM voltage source inverters in medium to high power applications. The performance attainable with such a circuit depends largely on the behaviour of the devices employed. Previous designs are based on simplified models of the switching behaviour of lGBTs. However, practice has shown the limitations of such models. This paper presents a detailed experimental evaluation of an IGBT when used in zero voltage switching circuits. Special consideration is due to the losses in a resonant DC link inverter application. Analytic approximations of the measured switching and conduction losses are used in a design study of a 20 kVA RDCLI. Even under restrictive worst case assumptions, the RDCLI is seen to be capable of switching at a link frequency of 50 kHz to 60 kHz, without compromising inverter efficiency. |
