Current demands for consistent, high quality and cost effective power increases demands for a variable-frequency drive (VFD) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Both of these systems are susceptible to power quality issues from the line power that supplies them. Rogers’ ROLINX® busbars serve as power distribution “highways,” providing a customized liaison between the power source and capacitors, resistors, integrated circuits (ICs), integrated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) or complete modules. Laminated busbars offer numerous benefits, including reducing part count, virtually eliminating assembly errors, addressing component and personal safety issues and improving the overall system. Busbars can minimize inductance, which results in better switching performance and lower switching losses.
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) or Motor Drives account for the majority of the electrical energy consumed in industry. From electric motors to position control applications, these drives adjust to the needs of the process and significantly increase overall efficiency of the system. They provide speed and torque control, reduce wear by avoiding repetitive starts and stops in pumps and valves and decrease overall energy consumption.
Innovations in power electronics drive much of the technology in VFDs. Advanced semiconductor switching technologies provide robust and reliable devices with the highest power integration and lowest power losses. Improvements in drive topologies and control hardware and software have reduced VFD cost and size.
VFD designs must consider the impact of harmonic distortion. This can cause faulty meter readings, motor bearing failures, blown fuses and communication interference. An effective way to minimize distortion is to use advanced power electronics to distribute power with IGBT or MOSFET modules.
Blackouts can cause serious consequences in critical systems, such as hospitals and petrochemical plants. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) guarantee power and protect sensitive equipment from voltage distortions and fluctuations in frequency or amplitude. The need for near-instantaneous protection from input power interruptions has today’s UPS systems incorporating advanced semiconductor technology. Highly efficient devices, such as IGBTs and MOSFETs, help increase the efficiency, power density and reliability of the UPS. UPS designs with advanced semiconductor technologies achieve higher voltage ratings, higher switching frequencies and lower conduction losses.