GE and ASI develop an innovative variable-speed AC drive

Worldwide LNG and natural gas business is expanding rapidly. As plants and compression train sizes increase, gas turbines and compressors are pushed toward their technical limits - highlighting the key role of electric motors and drives as helpers or main drivers.

To guarantee the effectiveness (reliability, availability and performance) of the full-train solution, GE has developed an advanced variable frequency drive. This new technology, focused mainly on the needs of LNG operators, features low harmonic content, smooth torque ripple and high reliability.

The new product's range, based on Integrated Gate Commutated Thyristor (IGCT) technology, will be 8-35 MW at 3.3 kV, with an extension up to 70 MW at 6.6 kV planned in the coming months.

SEP testing waveforms

Drive prototypes are complete and testing is currently in progress at our Massa facilities (Italy). The tests will be performed in motor mode up to 35 MW, driving an axial compressor, and in generator mode using a GE gas turbine as prime mover.

The new drive is the result of joint development by GE's Oil & Gas business, Centre of Excellence for Research (GE GRC), Controls/Power Electronics (GE Energy), and Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali (ASI), which brought its extensive experience in the oil and gas industry as supplier of motors and drives.

This collaboration is a continuation of our longstanding successful partnership with ASI, developed through several projects and covering a wide range of applications.

The solution joins our portfolio of leading turbo machinery technology, giving oil and gas customers the additional advantage of an integrated design for the motor, drive and compressor focused on enhanced performance and availability of the whole package.