Development of MCs and its Applications in Industry [Industry Forum]

An MC is a direct AC-AC converter that has benefits of high reliability, small size, and high efficiency over a conventional PWM converter-inverter system. This article introduced the Yaskawa MC product specifications, applications, and techniques that helped commercialization of a low-voltage and medium-voltage MC. The 9-114 kVA (200 V and 400 V classes) for a low voltage MC and 200-6,000 kVA (3.3 kV, 6.6 kV) for a medium-voltage MC have thus far been commercialized. Three typical applications of an MC were also introduced along with the related technology that helped to achieve desired results for each application. The application of an MC is still expanding to other fields in industry. Authors are continuing their efforts in improving performance and expanding the product lineup.