Environmental/Power System Considerations—Thyristor Crane Drives

Abstract

There is an accelerating trend toward application of modern static control and drive technology to cranes and heavy material handling systems, and the backbone of these systems are the thrysitor and the static regulator with its many printed circuit cards and small electronic components. This article reviews these elements with respect to performance while subjected to typical crane operating conditions, including shock, vibration, dirt, low line voltage, etc. Design features and special packaging considerations for crane installations are discussed, as well as alternate design approaches.