Re: The AC drive L I V E S ! ! !

[Rich Rudman <rmanzan@tscnet.com>]

Jim Weir wrote:
> 
> So Bill,
>   Basically youve got some wave patterns that are made by
> gating the electrons through a certain path. How much will
> you alter the shape/duration/etc. of the waves to affect
> the motor characteristics at, say, take off versus top end?
> 
>   I suspect that with the expected amount of power to play
> with, you might have to "dial it in" the first few runs.
>   Also: how hard would it be to replicate the controller as
> a home hobbyist for a similar sized output to your test bed
> model? Maybe sell the parts list/instructions to Radio
> Shack? Just a thought, it might be a fun project, if the
> logic part doesnt cost a fortune...
> 
> =====
> Jim Weir

Jim...
	Ain't nobody going to sell a 500 Hp AC drive Kit. Most of us have never
even handled this kind of power, even us Amp heads fear to go there. 

Some numbers for the 500 Hp target. 500 Hp =  is 373Kw or at %100  1554
amps of 240 volts, or 1036 amps of 360 volts. Still with me folks??? or 
777 amps of 480 volts, this is just about the limit if 600 volt silicon.
we could make the jump to 1200 volt silicon, then the largest 1/2 bridge
is 400 amps(that I have seen). Say we are doing 600 volt battery, that's
50 batteries in series... LOTS. Still we are over 621 amps of 600 volts
to get 500 Hp. So 1000 volts and 375 amps is a doable formula for 500 Hp
and 1200 volt and 400 amp modules.
	That's the simplest layout 3 1/2 bridges. Now if we go single IGBT
modules, then we can get WAY out there, I know about 1400 amp 1700 volt
single IGBTs. They go for over $1000 each, and you will need 6. This is
out there in blown Funny car and Nitro power levels. 3000+ HP. Much more
sane is 800 or 1200 amp modules at 1200 volts. Running just over 600
battery volts. Since your motor will need special insulation to get much
over 575 volts and still have any headroom. Stuffing 1000 volts into a
480 or 575 volt induction motor will be a sight to be seen. 
	I plan to be there.... 

Rich Rudman
Manzanita Micro