Light-fired thyristor development. Interim report
A high power light-triggered thyristor has been developed and demonstrated. A series-connected string of eight such thyristors was tested to show feasibility for commercial utility applications in VAR generator applications. The chief benefit to be derived from light-triggered thyristors is that a high voltage stack of such thyristors can be switched directly by a light signal transmitted through electrically insulating fiber optics cables. Such a system eliminates the need for costly isolation of the gate circuitry and provides immunity to noise-induced false triggering signals. Design considerations applicable to light-triggered thyristors are described and means of optimizing the light source-fiber optic cable system are discussed. A hermetically sealed package for light-triggered thyristors is described. Test results on individual light-triggered thyristors are presented, and the operation of a module consisting of light source, fiber optics cables, and a series string of eight light-triggered thyristors is described. It is concluded that the technology developed in this program is suitable for application in high voltage VAR generator applications. Further technology improvement can result in reduced cost and improved reliability and recommendations for further development effort are made.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa. (USA). Research and Development Center
- OSTI ID:
- 7041726
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-EL-776
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
DESIGN
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
FABRICATION
LIGHT PIPES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
POWER SYSTEMS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SWITCHING CIRCUITS
TESTING
THYRISTORS