Inverter Design Rationale and Specification

=Design Rationale=

=Specifications=
 * Input – 12-120V DC using IGBTs that can handle that
 * Output - 12-480V AC
 * Plug-in transformer modules allow from 1 to 10 amplitude modification
 * Use turnkey, plug-in IGBT module of 2.5 kW continuous, 5 kW peak
 * Proper heat sinking
 * Use turnkey, plug-in gate driver
 * Use pure sine wave signal generator
 * Stackable up to 10 units for up to 25kW
 * Phase cable connects units so power is in phase

Particulars

 * Continuous output power: 2500 Watts
 * Surge power capability (peak power): 5000 Watts
 * dc input / operating voltage: 10 to 120 DC
 * Output voltage: 120-480 Volts ac
 * Output frequency: 60 Hz +/- 0.5 Hz
 * Battery low voltage shutdown: 9.5 +/- 0.5 V
 * No load minimum operating temperature: 25 degrees F
 * Full load maximum operating temperature: 140 degrees F
 * Efficiency: >90%
 * No load draw: .6 amps
 * AC Output Socket Type: 3 bolt down connectors
 * High input voltage protection: 15V
 * Low input voltage shutdown: 10V
 * Internal fuse protection

Modularity

 * Plug-in transformers
 * [[Image:BlockDiagram.png]]


 * Unit should be readily scalable to 3 phase power output (3 phase welders at Factor e Farm, with 12.5kW of battery power avaialable in our off grid digital fabrication facility)

=Scalability and Modularity Analysis=


 * Basic unit above provides up to 25kW continuous power with a stack of 10 inverters
 * Plug in IGBT module may be scaled for higher power, up to 250 kW for a stack of 10 inverters. Relevant to the scale of 200kW induction furnace.
 * Modular design retains allowance for different gate drivers, such as high frequency power for induction furnace power supplies and other applications

=Links= IGBT Sources
 * http://www.shaoguang.com.cn/data/sgkj09005.pdf

=Deployment Strategy=
 * Initial prototype is a 2.5 kW module in 1 phase, later modules are slave modules for stackability
 * 3-phase power is the next stage after 1 phase is developed
 * Ask a vendor for a ready design
 * Post on GrabCAD
 * Post on Upverter
 * Assess assistance from Universal Power Supply on the Amp Hour - An off-the-cuff radio show and podcast for electronics enthusiasts and professionals
 * Request David Kronstein to produce a simple inverter design for our purposes
 * Request Dedicated Project Visit or Remote Dedicated Project Visit to design inverter and begin the prototyping stage.