Development of a multiple series-connected IGBT converter for large-capacity STATCOM

This paper reports the development of a converter for a large-capacity STATCOM. The converter consists of multiple series-connected 1.7kV module-type IGBTs. An active gate controlled circuit that we developed was applied to the IGBT gate drive circuit, eliminating large-capacity voltage-clamped snubber circuits or voltage balancing circuits that are conventionally needed for a series-connected IGBT converter, which considerably simplifies the converter. A rated-power test was performed, the results of which confirmed satisfactory performance of the developed converter.