Units

Electrical drive test rig

As an experimental basis for the research focus Control Close to Converter a 5 kW drive test rig was designed, constructed and put into operation.

The aim of developing the test rig was to be able to experimentally investigate conventional and novel control algorithms for electrical drives and active rectifiers, as well as the design of components for the power part. The design and the construction of the test rig were carried out at the chair, as there was no test rig available on the market that met the special requirements. These are mainly characterised in that a simple exchange of different line filters should be possible, that both PWM-based and gliding-regime based methods can be investigated, and that the test rig can also be used for teaching purposes. It was therefore necessary to develop a robust test rig that could be programmed freely, easily and quickly, with known structure, dimensioning and interfaces.

Selected technical data

• 400 V, 5 kW asynchronous machine
• 420 V, 4,75 kW Direct-Current Machine including Reversing Converter
• 400 V, 15 kVA Voltage Source Inverter (f_s = 2-16 kHz) with brake chopper
• Network connection: directly to the 400V-network or optionally via a 0-400 V variable ratio transformer
• Network filter: inductive or LCL filter
• Control environment: dSpace DS1103 (fast prototyping system)

Power Semiconductor Laboratory

As an experimental basis for the research focus on power semiconductors, a medium-voltage test rig for the investigation of power semiconductors was designed, constructed and put into operation.

The aim in developing the test rig was to be able to experimentally investigate conventional and novel power semiconductors (e.g. IGBTs, IGCTs, MOSFETS, diodes, thyristors, etc.) including gate units in a wide working range, and to optimise them for specific applications. The design and construction of the test rig was carried out at the Chair, as there was no test rig available on the market that met the special requirements. The test rig allows a characterisation and investigation of the casing designs module as well as press-pack. DC-link voltages, phase currents, junction temperatures, gate unit conditions and circuitry can be varied over a wide range. The measurements can be carried out individually or semi-automated. The evaluation of the measurements is based on self-developed, powerful software modules.

Selected technical data

• Maximum intermediate circuit voltages: 15 kV,
• Maximum current: 5 kA,
• Junction temperature: -40°C to 150°C,
• Casing designs: Module, Press Pack,
• Adjustable leakage inductance,
• Various gate units, constructive realisations and circuitry

Converter Laboratory  

The aim in developing the laboratory was to be able to experimentally investigate and optimise conventional and novel converters. Seven control panels with supply voltages of 230 V/16 A and 400 V/16 A (32 A) are available. In addition, a further regulating transformer can be implemented in each control panel. The universal design of the individual control panels enables the construction and testing of a wide variety of converter configurations.