Improved current source GTO inverter-fed induction motor drives with PWM-controlled thyristor converter

An improved current-source GTO (gate turn-off) inverter system for driving an induction motor at high frequency was developed. This system is composed of an inverter using GTOs and a PWM (pulsewidth-modulated)-controlled thyristor rectifier. The energy rebound circuit in the inverter is used to turn off the thyristors in the rectifier and to apply PWM control techniques. This circuit plays an important role in the treatment of reactive power in a load. The capacitors connected to the AC input terminal to improve PWM control also function as a filter. Thus, the waveforms of the input voltage and current become almost sinusoidal. Principles and circuit operations of the rectifier section are described in detail. The current-source GTO inverter is used to drive a 5.5 kW induction motor. The experimental waveform and characteristics for the tested motor drives are given. It is shown that the harmonic components of the input voltage and current are eliminated or reduced by using the PWM control technique without spoiling the inherent characteristics of the current-source GTO inverter