Enrique Ledezma

Development of a modular configurable multi-megawatt power amplifier

This paper details the design and development work for fabricating a modular and configurable multi-megawatt power amplifier. The impetus for creating the amplifier was to enable electric grid code standards testing for interconnection of large wind turbines. However, the flexible nature of the amplifier topology and control readily enables its use as a multipurpose power interconnect converter.

High speed MW-rated induction motor drive system

Multi-physics design, simulation and analysis studies on an induction motor drive system rated 1 MW 15,000 RPM 4160 V are presented. Component level manufacturability and materials selection have been performed for the high speed application. Litz wire stator coils have been designed to reduce high frequency proximity losses. Prototype stator coils have been manufactured and tested. The various components of the system have been verified experimentally by bench tests. A novel power electronic drive using high power silicon carbide devices for the high speed application is developed. The complete motor and drive are now being manufactured for full load testing with the new dynamometer system at the eGrid Center of Clemson University.