STACOM Fire

[gradfire]

Guys,

what is the level of fire risk in IGBT based STATCOM facility. Does converter module pose fire risk ?

Some quick inputs would be brilliant .

 

[krisys]

It depends on the design of specific vendor. I have been recently involved in a 50 MVAR STATCOM from one of the reputed supplier. Including the layout, the engineering will be by the STATCOM supplier. Normally, in the converter room there is no major flammable material. The fire risk due to the electrical insulation failure and arcing will be generally mitigated by using the differential (zone type) protection. The relay is expected to detect the fault with in 30 to 50 ms.

Thus generally, the standard fire protection system commensurate with the substation equipments should suffice.

 

[gradfire]

Thanks Krisys for reply. I have been through files on google for IGBT based transformer.it does pose risk of explosion, not a major one though, but certainly can damage the unit and collateral damage could be fire situation. I am struggling to find a literature or case studies which can help to analyze things better. I am still in search of same.

Regards.

 

[oldfieldguy]

I have had IGBT explosions in Siemens VFD's (GM-150 - 9000 horsepower, 4160-volt output). It appears from subsequent festivities that the construction of these IGBTs do not support continued combustion. Once the power is removed, they do not continue to burn, leaving somebody to clean up a considerable mess.

old field guy