The variable frequency drive (VFD) is a very important equipment in industrial automation. As it is used to vary the speed of the motor, it is applicable in many processes. This is because variable speed is required in almost all applications.
VFD has many components inside it and semiconductors are extensively used in its design. One such semiconductor is IGBT. We all know how semiconductors play an important role in fast processing.
In this post, we will learn the role of IGBT in VFD.
IGBT is a type of transistor. Basically, the family of transistors consists of three main types – BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor), FET (Field Effect Transistor), and IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor).
IGBT is a more advanced type of transistor. The standard transistor has three terminals – gate, collector, and emitter.
When voltage is applied to the gate, it opens and allows the current to flow between the collector and emitter. When voltage is removed from the gate, it closes and blocks the current to flow between the collector and emitter.
In this way, an IGBT behaves like a switch; on when the gate is open and flowing current and off when it is closed.
IGBT is a combination of BJT and FET. It has the gate function of FET and the low saturation voltage/output characteristics of a BJT. That is why you can see it in its name too; it is a combination of both FET (IG) and BJT (BT). It is capable of handling large collector-emitter currents with virtually zero gate current drive.
Coming to the main topic, it must be confusing for you because each type of transistor has its separate characteristics. But, it is important to know that the highest level of advantages are offered in an IGBT.
Let us understand step by step why an IGBT is used in VFD.
In this way, we understand the use of IGBT in a VFD.
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Lucid writeup.
Regards
Nice write-up. I design industrial-grade VFDs