Metals Technologies

SIROLL Drives GTO to IGCT

Upgrade of ML1 Converters
Ensuring future viability by modernizing ML Converters
Replacement of GTO with IGCT for SIMOVERT ML1 Converters.
The Gate Turn-Off Thyristors (GTOs) are the key
components of the GTO stacks for ML Converters.
Based on the state of the art in semiconductor
technology, the update of type Integrated Gate-
Commutated Thyristor stack (IGCT) with separate
freewheeling diode has been introduced. Due
to the increasing use of this next-generation
technology, we provide plant operators with a
suitable migration path.
Your challenge:
During the course of this development, production
of the GTOs has been suspended and the number of
replacement GTOs in stock is continuously decreasing.
To ensure the long-term availability of spare parts, the
GTOs must be replaced by the substitute, IGCT. In ad-
dition, there has already been a discontinuation notice
issued for the GDU (Gate Drive Unit), which is needed
for the old system. Therefore, the future supply of this
replacement part is questionable as well.
Our solution:
Based on state-of-the-art technology, Siemens
offers the new successor generation IGCT. This
successor separates the freewheeling diode from
the IGCT and integrates the Gate Drive Unit. As a
result, the short-circuit withstand capability as well
as the mean time between failures (MTBF) are both
markedly increased. Furthermore, the semiconductor
is improved by the integration of the Gate Drive Unit.
By the use of the new IGCT generation, one can set
the converters to the new state of art.
Successor: IGCT (Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristor), Integrated
Gate Drive Unit (GDU), and separate freewheeling diode
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Order No.: E10001-M6-A1-V2-7600 Printed in Germany Dispo No.: 21661 K No.: 28107 GB 100578 09100.0
Siemens AG 2010. All rights reserved. Subject to change without prior notice.
Advantages of
SIROLL Drives GTO to IGCT:
Long-term plant availability
As the next-generation technology,
IGCT promises a long service life
and spare parts availability
Higher short-circuit
withstand capability
Thanks to the separate freewheel-
ing diodes, which provide a higher
short-circuit capability and there-
fore improved protection against se-
quential faults, and a longer MTBF
Smaller budgets for revamps
Short shutdown time
Average shutdown of
1 day for 3 stacks
Lower component load
While conventional GTOs are
designed for maximum 3.5 kA
4.5 kV, IGCTs can be operated up
to 4.0 kA 4.5 kV
Flexible spare parts management
Through the gradual changeover to
IGCT, exchanged GTO stacks can be
used for additional spare parts for
other GTO-based ML Converters
Replacement procedure
Replacement of all light-emitting
diodes of the GTO stacks that
remain in use
Replacement of the GTO stack
by the air-cooled IGCT stack
The compatible interface of the
converters facilitates mechanical
plug-out/plug-in of the GTO stacks
with the IGCT stacks
Replacement of the fiber-optic cables
Shielding of the measurement lines
against electromagnetic fields
Due to the different switching character-
istics of the IGCT and the GTO, all stacks
of line or motor side of one system
have to be replaced
The new IGCT stacks cover the entire
power spectrum of the GTO, as regards
nominal power and specific surge
power
References
A successful replacement of GTO stacks
by IGCT stacks has already been per-
formed in cold strip mills in:
U.S.
Germany
Relevant components:
all ML1 Converters
The number of GTO stacks to be exchanged
depends upon the configuration of the
converters (see configuration examples).
Influencing parameters and inter-
actions in replacement scenarios,
depending upon the configuration
For motor- or line-side converters, no
mixed IGCT/GTO operation is possible
Minimum replacement of 3 stacks
Between direct adjacent phase
modules: replacement of 3 phase
modules of the converter
Minimum replacement of 3 stacks
For identical operator signals:
replacement of motor converters for
relevant motors (e.g., see diagram;
from left to right, 3, 6, or 12 stacks)
At a common DC link circuit (common
voltage control): replacement of all
line-side converters for the DC link
Future scenario:
Upgrade of the control system will be
available in 2011.
Sample configurations and interactions for ML Converters Air-cooled IGCT stack
3 stacks 2x3 stacks 4x3 stacks
3 stacks 6 stacks 12 stacks
Tandem MLT
e.g., mill stand drive
Double Tandem MLDT
e.g., mill stand drive
SIROLL is a trademark of Siemens AG
The information provided in this brochure contains
merely general descrip tions or characteristics of
performance which in case of actual use do not
always apply as described or which may change as
a result of further development of the products. An
obligation to provide the respective characteristics
shall only exist if expressly agreed in the terms of
contract.
Siemens AG
Industry Sector
Industry Solutions
Metals Technologies
Schuhstr. 60
91052 Erlangen, Germany
E-mail: service.metals@siemens.com
Headquarters:
Siemens VAI
Metals Technologies GmbH
P.O. Box 4, Turmstr. 44
4031 Linz, Austria
E-mail: contact.metals@siemens.com