Semiconductor Alternating-Current Motor Drives and Energy Conservation
D. J. BenDaniel 1 and
E. E. David Jr. 2
1 Vice president of Exxon Enterprises, Florham Park, New Jersey 07932
2 President of Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Florham Park, New Jersey 07932
The concentration of electrical energy usage in alternating-current motor drives presents an opportunity for substantial conservation. Emerging advances in power semiconductor transistor systems will support a major commerical effort to this end. An alternating-current synthesizer for this purpose may soon be available. The synthesizer produces electricial power of variable and programmable frequency, voltage, and wave form so that performance can be optimized. This technology provides the additional opportunity for fundamental improvements in electrical distribution and usage systems in the longer term. Power processing with semiconductor a-c motor controls is expected to become widespread in the near future.
