Product: Thyristor Power Controls

CCT Engineering is an engineering company that integrates heating solutions for pipes that are installed in extreme cold conditions. Areas of Russia endure extremely low environmental temperatures which demand taking special measures against the freezing of pipes. This was the case in Urengoi, Russia. CCT Engineering recently utilized Solcon's Thyristor Power Controller to control a 1 km heating element cable to prevent this problem.

CCT Engineering's challenge was to source a reliable power control system to control the temperature of the heating element, and in extreme environmental conditions (down to -36°C). Due to the high 'hot-to-cold' resistance ratio of this type of heating element, it was necessary to use Phase Angle control to minimize the associated inrush current. By using Phase Angle Control mode, the associated 'thermal shock' was eliminated, allowing for smooth, continuous power delivery.

Solcon's R&D team developed a customized TPS product that allowed for operation in the phase control mode for up to 60 minutes. After this period of time, the TPS switched to Zero Crossing control mode to control the output to the heaters without creating excess system harmonics that are typical in the Phase Control mode.

Solcon delivered to the customer ten TPS units rated 690 volts at 58 amps, for this unique application.