GE’s Power Conversion business is amplifying its range of medium-voltage variable frequency drives with the addition of the ecomagination qualified MV6 Series. This mid-range general purpose unit is characterised by a versatility that will enable it to be used across a broad spectrum of industries.

The air-cooled MV6 Series uses a simple IGBT power stack architecture to achieve high reliability, availability and low cost of ownership. It extends coverage of markets currently served by the MV7000 and the soon-to-come MV4000. The MV6 Series is a great expansion in GE Power Conversion’s medium-voltage drive portfolio.

GE’s Power Conversion business is aiming the new drive in particular at the expanding oil and gas industry as well as in other industries such as mining and power generation. The company sees opportunities in applications such as pumps, compressors, fans, conveyors, centrifuges, turbines, extruders, and mixers.

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) from GE regulate motor speed to control the flow and pressure of blowers or pumps without dampers or throttling valves.

A key feature of the MV6 Series is that users have a choice of input rectifier. The drive can be fitted with either a 36-pulse diode front-end (DFE) or an active front-end (AFE), both of which provide clean harmonic input signatures. The DFE, with its integrated transformer, is easy to install and commission. It is ideal for applications that require only a two-quadrant motoring operation.

The AFE is the best choice for applications that require motoring and regenerative breaking operations.