Training for drive systems in industry A suppliers perspective

It is pointed out that the training of personnel for the service and maintenance of drive systems is an issue that needs to be approached systematically. The increasing use and fast development of modern power electronics and associated controllers, as well as modern technologies used in the energy conversion from electrical to mechanical energy in industry, have created a great need to train, and continuously retrain, personnel to enable them to confidently use these technologies to the full advantage. In the African environment this is further complicated by logistical problems, the wide range of personnel backgrounds, and the training of service and maintenance personnel. To meet this challenges Siemens Ltd. has developed a range of courses and has invested in an infrastructure to be in a position to present these courses on a regular basis. The experience of Siemens in developing, presenting, and applying these courses over a number of years is described. The courses are discussed with reference to their structure, scope, and prerequisites. Attention is given to DC drive courses, AC variable-speed drive courses, plant-specific courses, and cycloconverter and LCI drive courses