A high switching frequency IGBT PWM rectifier/inverter system for AC motor drives operating from single phase supply

A pulse width modulated (PWM) rectifier/inverter system using insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), capable of switching at 20 kHz is reported. The base drive circuit for the IGBT, incorporating short-circuit protection, is presented. The inverter uses an Undeland snubber together with a simple energy recovery circuit, which ensures reliable and efficient operation even for 20 kHz switching. The front end for the system is a regenerative single phase full bridge IGBT inverter along with an AC reactor. Steady-state design considerations are explained, and control techniques for unity power factor operation and fast current control of the front end power converter, in a rotating as well as a stationary reference frame, are discussed and compared. Results from computer simulations and experimental results for a 1.5 kW prototype system are presented