LCI

Check http://cr4.globalspec.com/comment/180653

Couldn't have said it better myself...

Neither could I and it was quicker this way. Great answer.

MEGADRIVE-LCI

Static Frequency Converters for soft starting of synchronous

machines in power plants.

MEGADRIVE-LCI -Proven technology

Benefits:

• More than 30 years of operational

experience

• High efficiency

• High reliability and availability

• Also used for motor and generator

(braking) operation

• Low maintenance requirements

• Standard designs are available for

powers up to 72 MW and voltages

up to 10 kV

Load Commutated Inverter (LCI)

Vast operational experience

During its 30 years of production, the MEGADRIVE-LCI has gained an

undisputed reputation for reliable operation in the harshest environments.

Unmatched reliability for high powers

The MEGADRIVE-LCI is the preferred choice when it comes to reliable

and efficient operation in applications requiring high-power and highvoltage.

Standard designs of the MEGADRIVE-LCI are offered and

range up to 72 MW in size, and engineered designs of 100 MW and

beyond are also available.

In 1997, ABB set a world record by delivering the largest and most

powerful electric variable speed drive to NASA. The MEGADRIVE-LCI

controls the 135'000 hp (101 MW) synchronous motor of a wind tunnel

fan.

Worldwide references

ABB has more than 750 MEGADRIVE-LCI units installed worldwide for

a total combined power of 4300 MW, including applications in power

plants, the oil, gas and chemical industries, in water pumping stations,

marine propulsion systems and in test stands.

ABB pioneered the static starting method for gas turbines and synchronous motors, introducing the first static

starting configuration to the market in 1974. Over the years it has become the standard starting technology for

heavy-duty gas turbines and pumped storage hydro turbines. Gradual improvements of the original design has led

to a system which today represents a state-of-the-art Static Frequency Converter. The ABB system configuration

ensures very high starting reliability and also increases gas turbine availability.

Gas fired turbine power plant

ABB

Static Frequency Converters enable gas turbines to be run up to a speed

above which they are self-sustaining. At this speed, the Gas Turbine can

accelerate independently to its rated speed. Gas turbines often have to be

started and run up quickly at short notice, while avoiding a large starting

load on the public supply system.

MEGADRIVE-LCI -Soft starting capabilities

Starting of motors and generators

Direct on-line starting of large synchronous machines

causes inrush currents of up to six times the nominal

current and imposes large electrical stress on the supply

network, thermal stress on the motor and mechanical

stress on the shaft string.

These problems can be overcome with the use of a

MEGADRIVE-LCI soft starter. Aiming to secure your

investment and keep your assets operating at their highest

levels of efficiency and reliability is made possible with an

ABB Static Frequency Converter.

Gas turbine starters

Gas turbines often have to be started and run up quickly at

short notice. ABB MEGADRIVE-LCI gas turbine starters

use the generator as a motor and run it up to a speed

which is above the ignition speed of the gas turbine. The

gas turbine can then accelerate the generator independently

to its rated speed and synchronize it to the power system.

Start-up with the ABB MEGADRIVE-LCI can be done

within minutes.

Starting a large synchronous machine on-line can have a negative impact on the network and the machine itself.

These problems can be overcome with the MEGADRIVE-LCI soft starter.

Main features

• Soft starting and running up of gas turbine sets

• Fast start-up

• Selectable running-up period (5-10 minutes)

• Starting current limited to rated current or less

• Several machines can be run up one after the other

• Regenerative braking (energy fed back to the power

system)

• Microprocessor-based control system

• Air-cooled

• No restriction on the number of starts or the time

period between them

• No gear box required

• Integrated excitation unit for running-up (optional)

• Change over unit fitted when several frequency converters

and gas turbine sets are installed in a power

station (optional)

Advantages for the user

• High reliability and availability

• No moving parts requiring maintenance

• No overloading of the prime mover or the start-up

converter

• Low investment by using one converter for several

gas turbine sets

• Simplified fault-finding

• Longer lifetime of equipment

• Fast start-up

Cross section of a gas turbine

2

ABB

MEGADRIVE-LCI -Main components

Thyristors

Thyristor power semiconductors are developed for high powers, highest reliability and low losses. They have low on-state

and switching losses, which results in a converter efficiency of 99%, including the DC reactor.

Rectifier

The rectifier is line commutated and forms a fully controllable DC current source in conjunction with the reactor in the DC

link. A 6 or 12-pulse rectifier configuration is available for minimized harmonic influence of the converter on the supply

system. The MEGADRIVE-LCI meets the most stringent requirements for current and voltage harmonic distortion as

defined by IEEE, IEC and EN standards.

DC link reactor

The DC link reactor smoothes the DC current and limits its rate of change in the event of a fault.

Inverter

Thyristors in the inverter electronically switch the DC current to produce a 3-phase AC system of variable frequency and

voltage for supplying the motor. The motor voltages commutate the inverter phase currents. At very low speeds (0-10% of

rated speed), when the motor voltage is too low to guarantee reliable commutation, an artificial commutation is used. The 6

or 12-pulse inverter configuration is available for minimized influence of the converter on the ripple of the motor torque.

Starting excitation converter (optional)

The excitation converter provides the required generator field current at start-up.

Control

The control adjusts the actual torque or speed of the motor to the reference value. It generates the firing impulses for the

thyristors in the rectifier, the inverter and the excitation converter to maintain the desired current, cos phi and voltage of the

motor.

The MEGADRIVE-LCI uses reliable, well-proven components, which were specifically designed for high-power

and high-voltage applications.

ABB

MEGADRIVE-LCI -System reliability

AC 800PEC Control Platform

The control part of the MEGADRIVE-LCI system uses the high-end process control

system AC 800PEC, belonging to the ControlIT product line. The AC 800PEC is a

modular high-speed control system, with modules arranged according to the required

I/O configuration and process. It excels with very high processing speed and is fully

integrated into ABB's ControlIT software environment.

MEGADRIVE-LCI air cooled

In order to protect the equipment from overheating, the ABB MEGADRIVE-LCI

utilizes robust fans for air cooling. The specially designed fans will maintain the

equipment within safe operating temperatures and ensure optimal operation of the

equipment by effectively dissipating heat.

Gas turbines or machines in pumped storage power plants must often be started and run-up quickly at short notice.

The MEGADRIVE-LCI Static Frequency Converter uses the generator as a motor to run it up to a certain speed. For

gas turbines, this is above the ignition speed from where the turbine can accelerate the generator independently up to

rated speed and synchronize it to the power network. For pumped storage power plants, the MEGADRIVE-LCI

accelerates the generator up to rated speed and synchronizes it to the power network as well.

MEGADRIVE-LCI Control Terminal

The MEGADRIVE-LCI Control Terminal is used for monitoring and controlling a

Static Frequency Converter and is located on the system's control door panel. The

Control Terminal is a powerful industrial PC with a user-friendly Human Machine

Interface (HMI) that runs independently from the system's control platform. All

communication is done via Ethernet connections and provides the operator with a

range of selectable screens with an LCD touch screen.

Benefits:

• One MEGADRIVE-LCI converter can start several generators

• Unlimited number of starts

• Fuseless design for high reliability and less spare parts

• User-friendly Control Terminal

4 ABB

MEGADRIVE-LCI -Service, Support & Testing

To verify that the quality standards and customer requirements are fully met, every component is subjected to

thorough testing. ABB also offers unrivalled service and support from the customer's initial inquiry and

throughout the entire life-cycle of the system.

ABB solutions ensure the continued reliable operation and optimal performance of your Static Frequency

Converter by offering a fully comprehensive service plan that will provide you with peace of mind.

Gas turbine

ABB

Routine tests

Routine tests and functional tests form an integral part of the

scope of supply of a MEGADRIVE-LCI system. They are

performed in accordance with international standards and ABB

quality assurance procedures (ISO 9001.)

Installation and commissioning

Substantial benefits can be gained from proper installation and commissioning of the equipment. Predictive testing and

inspection, in addition to traditional operational parameter setting, done by ABB's qualified and certified commissioning

engineers, will reduce start-up time and cost while increasing safety and reliability. In addition, ABB customers can be given

practical training by experienced specialists on site. A range of training programs are offered from basic tutorials to

programs tailored to the customer's specific needs.

Technical advice

As originators of AC drives technology in the late 1960's, ABB has

over 35 years of application know-how in all industrial sectors, in

virtually every country. ABB's specialists are located around the world

to offer advice that ensures trouble-free operation of ABB products.

Certified support and spare parts

ABB understands that spare parts availability and support is critical to insure on-going operation. For this reason, ABB's

global logistics network is strategically positioned to provide fast parts and repair service, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our global organization uses standardized processes, tools and metrics to better serve our customers, allowing them to focus

on their core business.

Life-cycle management

ABB's life-cycle management model provides customers with the maximum profit for their purchased assets by maintaining

high availability, eliminating unplanned repair costs and extending the lifetime of the MEGADRIVE-LCI. Life-cycle

management maximizes the value of the equipment and maintenance investment by providing spare parts and technical

expertise. It also provides efficient product support and maintenance for improved reliability. This will insure a smooth

transition to a new technology at the end of the products life cycle.

At home everywhere

After sales service is an integral part of providing our customers with a reliable and efficient MEGADRIVE-LCI. The ABB

Group of companies operate in more than 100 countries and has a worldwide network of service operations. Wherever you

are, ABB is there for you!!!

24-hour North American service & support line

1-800-665-8222

ABB 6

MEGADRIVE-LCI -Service, Support & Testing

ABB Inc.

Excitation Systems & Static Frequency Converters

10300 Henri Bourassa West

St-Laurent, QC H4S 1N6

CANADA

Telephone: (514) 332-5350

Fax: (514) 332-0609

Certified Service & Support: 1-800-665-8222

www.abb.com

Blatant advertising like that is the kind of thing that kills a technical forum. Too cowardly to use their name as well.

Where did you copy this extremely long, too long, article from?