AP14: Dimensioning

and use of
SINAMICS S120 Motor
Modules
for crane applications
Siemens
Cranes / Application Notes Industry
Online
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/ 65300499 Support
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Dimensioning and use of SINAMICS S120 Motor modules

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 Table of contents

Table of contents
Legal information ......................................................................................................... 2
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 5
2 Load duty cycle .................................................................................................. 6
2.1 General ................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Standard load duty cycles .................................................................... 6
2.3 Free load duty cycles ........................................................................... 7
2.3.1 Derating factor kTemp for increased ambient temperature ................... 10
2.3.2 Derating factor kPulse for pulse frequencies higher than the
factors-set pulse frequency ................................................................ 10
2.3.3 Derating factor kParallel for parallel operation of S120 Motor
Modules .............................................................................................. 11
2.3.4 Derating factor kIGBT for periodic load duty cycles in order to
protect against premature IGBT failure .............................................. 12
3 Operation at low output frequencies ............................................................. 15
3.1 Operation without overload at low output frequencies < 10 Hz ......... 15
3.1.1 Operation without overload with occasional periods of low
output frequencies <10 Hz ................................................................. 15
3.1.2 Operation without overload with frequent periods of low output
frequencies <10 Hz ............................................................................ 16
3.2 Operation with high overload at low output frequencies < 10 Hz ....... 16
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

3.2.1 Operation with high overload with occasional periods of low

output frequencies < 10 Hz ................................................................ 17
3.2.2 Operation with high overload with frequent periods of low output
frequencies <10 Hz ............................................................................ 18
4 Dimension examples ....................................................................................... 20
4.1 Hoist for STS Crane ........................................................................... 20
4.1.1 Selection for Motor Module ................................................................ 20
4.1.2 Determination of the current derating ................................................. 21
4.1.3 Checking for permissible short-time current....................................... 22
4.1.4 Checking for the I²T value of motor current ........................................ 22
4.1.5 Checking for the operation at low output frequencies <10 Hz ........... 22
4.1.6 Result ................................................................................................. 23
4.2 Trolley for STS Crane ......................................................................... 23
4.2.1 Selection for Motor Module ................................................................ 24
4.2.2 Determination of the current derating ................................................. 24
4.2.3 Checking for permissible short-time current....................................... 26
4.2.4 Checking for the I²T value of motor current ........................................ 26
4.2.5 Checking for the operation at low output frequencies <10 Hz ........... 26
4.2.6 Result ................................................................................................. 27
5 Measures for the rise of the life time of the IGBT ........................................ 28
5.1 Optimization of excitation build-up time and de-excitation time ......... 28
5.2 Further optimization measures ........................................................... 31
5.2.1 Optimization of start pulse function .................................................... 31
5.2.2 Optimization of ramp-up time and ramp-downtime as well as
maximum current and maximum torque ............................................. 31
5.2.3 DC link voltage ................................................................................... 31
5.2.4 Heat sink temperature ........................................................................ 31
6 Appendix .......................................................................................................... 32
6.1 Service and support ........................................................................... 32
6.2 Industry Mall ....................................................................................... 33

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 Table of contents

6.3 Application support ............................................................................. 33

6.4 Links and literature ............................................................................. 33
6.5 Change documentation ...................................................................... 33
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

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 1 Introduction

1 Introduction
The information from Chapter 1 and 2 are extracts from SINAMICS – Low Voltage
Engineering Manual for SINAMICS G130, G150, S120 Chassis, S120 Cabinet
Modules, S150, Version 6.6 February 2020 chapter 1.12 and 1.13 and are added
with examples of crane applications.

The following link takes you directly to the download page for the document
SINAMICS – Low Voltage Engineering Manual for SINAMICS G130, G150, S120
Chassis, S120 Cabinet Modules, S150 :
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/de/en/view/83180185
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

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 2 Load duty cycle

2 Load duty cycle

2.1 General
In crane applications variable-speed drives are required to operate under overload
conditions. Overload capacity may be required occasionally, for example, in order
to overcome breakaway torques on starting, produce acceleration torques for short
periods, or decelerate drives rapidly in emergency situations. However, overload
capacity may also be needed periodically, for example, within recurrent load duty
cycles.
For the Motor Modules SINAMICS S120 (Chassis and Cabinet Modules) to be able
to produce the required overload capacity, they must not be operated to the limit of
their thermal capacity prior to and following the overload periods. For this reason,
the base load current for drives which require overload capacity must be lower than
the continuously permissible thermal rated current. The more the base load current
is reduced from rated current value, the higher will be the thermal reserves for
periods of overload duty.

2.2 Standard load duty cycles

© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

In cranes applications the defined standard load duty cycle high overload (HO) is
used for Motor Modules SINAMICS S120 (Chassis and Cabinet Modules):
The base load current IH for high overload is based on a load duty cycle of 150 %
for 60s or 160 % for 10 s.

Figure 2-1 Definitions of the standard load duty cycle high overload

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 2 Load duty cycle

The maximum possible output current Imax of the Motor Modules is always slightly
higher as 1,6 * IH. This maximum value is set in the firmware and can, therefore,
not be exceeded, not even in short-term operation.
The values for the base load currents IH, as well as for the maximum output current
Imax, are unit-specific and must therefore be taken from the relevant catalog D21.4
(SINAMICS S120 and SIMOTICS).
These short-time currents apply on the condition that the converter is operated at
its base load current before and after the period of overload on the basis of a load
duty cycle duration of 300s in each case. Another precondition is that the converter
is operated at its factory-set pulse frequency at output frequencies higher than 10
Hz.
For movements of crane drives where the ratio between short-time current and
base load current and the load duty cycle duration deviate from the values
specified above, the overload capacity must be calculated in accordance with
section "Free load duty cycles" below. It must be also considered if the motor
modules operate in factory-set pulse frequency or not.
At output frequencies below 10 Hz, for example creep speed at lowering / hoisting
of a hoist drive, the restrictions described in section "Operation at low output
frequencies" also apply.
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

2.3 Free load duty cycles

Many crane applications require load duty cycles which deviate to a greater or less
extent from the standard load duty cycles defined above. The section below
therefore explains the physical correlations and design criteria which must be taken
into account.
Load duty cycles must fulfill the following criteria in order to prevent overloading of
the power unit and thus avoid immediate fault tripping, initiation of an overload
reaction or reduction in the life time of the Motor Modules:
• The magnitude of the short-time current must generally be limited to
permissible values in order to prevent initiation of an overload reaction
• In the case of periodically recurring load duty cycles, the frequency and/or
magnitude of variations in the IGBT chip temperature must be limited to
permissible values during the load duty cycle to prevent premature failure of
power units.
• The average power losses in the power unit must generally be limited during
the duty cycle to the value permissible for steady-state continuous operation
in order to prevent initiation of an overload reaction

The magnitude of the short-time current must be limited generally for a number of
reasons:

The first reason is that a sufficient margin must be maintained between the current
during the overload period and the overcurrent tripping threshold of the power unit
in order to prevent the unit from shutting down immediately on overcurrent.
The second reason is that the chip temperature in the IGBT rises during the
overload period. Since this rise is proportional to the square of the short-time

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 2 Load duty cycle

current, there is a disproportionate reduction in the permissible overload period as

the short-time current rises. As a result, a very high short-time current will very
quickly result in initiation of an overload reaction or tripping of the unit due to chip
thermal overloading.
In the case of periodic load duty cycles, the frequency and/or magnitude of
variations in the IGBT chip temperature must be limited during the load duty cycle
in order to prevent premature failure of power units. This is necessary because the
number of permissible temperature cycles of an IGBT is limited and is further
reduced as the temperature swing ΔTChip increases. The life time of the IGBT
therefore also decreases accordingly in proportion to the rise of the temperature
swing ΔTChip. The following therefore applies to periodically recurrent load duty
cycles:
If the ratio between short-time current and base load current is small in periodic
load duty cycles, and the resultant temperature swings ΔTChip are correspondingly
low, the magnitude of the short-time current need not be limited or only slightly
limited in addition to the criteria stated above for the purpose of preserving life time
as the duration of the duty cycle decreases.
If the ratio between short-time current and base load current is high in periodic load
duty cycles, and the resultant temperature swings ΔTChip are correspondingly high,
the magnitude of the short-time current must be further limited in addition to the
criteria stated above for the purpose of preserving life time as the duration of the
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

duty cycle decreases.

The average power losses in the power unit for the duration of the load duty cycle
must be limited generally and must not exceed the corresponding power loss in
steady-state continuous operation at the permissible output current for which the
power unit is thermally rated. This is necessary in order to prevent initiation of an
overload reaction or unit tripping due to excessive chip temperature.
If the criteria described above are applied to the SINAMICS S120 Motor Modules
(Chassis and Cabinet Modules), then free load duty cycles are permissible
whenever the following conditions are fulfilled:

The short-time current IShortTime must be limited to values less than 1,5 ⋅ kD ⋅ IH

(In the case of parallel connections of S120 Motor Modules, I ShortTime is the short-
time current of one inverter section or one Motor Module)
The current derating factor kD takes into account all influences which necessitate a
reduction in the short-time current of the Motor Modules:

kD = kTemp ⋅ kPulse ⋅ kParallel ⋅ kIGBT.

Key to equation:
▪ kD Current derating-factor (total derating factor),
▪ kTemp Derating factor for increased ambient temperature in the 40 °C
to 55 °C range,
▪ kPulse Derating factor for pulse frequencies higher than the factors-set
pulse frequency,
▪ kParallel Derating factor for parallel operation of S120 Motor Modules,

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 2 Load duty cycle

▪ kIGBT Derating factor for periodic load duty cycles in order to protect
against premature IGBT failure.
The derating factors for Motor Modules Format Chassis are described in the
following sectors.

The I2t value, averaged over a load duty cycle duration T of max. 300 s, must
not exceed the 100 % value. The exceptions are stated in the table.
For the following SINAMICS converters or Motor Modules the permissible I2t value
is limited to values of less than 100 % with load duty cycles:

Figure 2-2 I2t value for converter

© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

The I2t value is the evaluation criterion for losses and temperature rise in the power
unit for the duration of the load duty cycle and is defined as follows:

1 𝑇 𝐼(𝑡)
𝐼 2 𝑇 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 = ∫ ( ) 𝑑𝑡 ∙ 100 %
𝑇 0 𝐼𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 ∙ 𝑘𝐷

Key to equation:
▪ I(t) RMS value of the output current of the converter or inverter as a
function of time
(In the case of parallel connections of S120 Motor Modules, I(t) is the RMS value of the
output current of a partial inverter resp. one Motor Module.)
▪ IRated Rated output current of the converter or inverter
(In the case of parallel connections of S120 Motor Modules, IRated is the rated output
current of a partial inverter resp. one Motor Module, not taking into account the
derating factor for parallel operation.)
▪ kD Current derating factor (total derating factor; see above for definition)
▪ T Load duty cycle duration which must not exceed the 300 s value for the
standard load duty cycle
▪ For the practical calculation of the I2t value, it is generally helpful to apply a
finite number m of phases of constant current in each case as an approximate
substitute to the output current time characteristic required by the application.
This simplifies the calculation as the integration is replaced by a simple
summation.

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 2 Load duty cycle

2 2 2
1 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐼𝑚
𝐼 2 𝑇 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 = [( ) 𝑇1 + ( ) 𝑇2 + ⋯ + ( ) 𝑇𝑚 ]
𝑇 𝐼𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 ∙ 𝑘𝐷 𝐼𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 ∙ 𝑘𝐷 𝐼𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 ∙ 𝑘𝐷
𝑚

𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 ∑ 𝑇𝑚 = 𝑇
1
i.e. the sum of all phases T1 to Tm equals the load duty cycle duration T, where T
must be ≤ 300 s.
With the condition above, that the I²T value must not exceed the 100% value:

𝐼12 𝑇1 + 𝐼22 𝑇2 + ⋯ + 𝐼𝑚
2𝑇
𝑚
𝐼𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑘𝐷 > √
𝑇
wℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 ∑𝑚
1 𝑇𝑚 = 𝑇

2.3.1 Derating factor kTemp for increased ambient temperature

SINAMICS S120 chassis units and associated system components are rated for an
ambient temperature of 40 °C and installation altitudes of up to 2000 m above sea
level. The current of SINAMICS S120 chassis units must be reduced (current
derating) if they are operated at ambient temperatures above 40 °C. SINAMICS
S120 Chassis units are not permitted to operate at ambient temperatures in excess
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

of 55 °C. The following table specifies the permissible current as a function of

ambient temperature for air cooled units format chassis.

Table 2-1 Current derating factors as a function of ambient temperature (inlet air) for air
cooled SINAMICS S120 format chassis
Installation altitude above sea Current derating-Factor
level at an ambient temperature (inlet air) of

M 20°C 25°C 30°C 35°C 40°C 45°C 50°C 55°C

0…2000 100% 93,3% 86,7% 80,0%

The current derating factor kTemp for operation with SINAMICS S120 at an ambient
temperature (air inlet) on 50°C at installation altitude lower 2000 m is according the
table 0,867. For other ambient temperatures between 40 and 55 °C the derating
factor can be calculated as follows:
𝑘 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝 = 1 − (𝑇𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 − 40°𝐶) ∙ 1,33 %/°𝐶
with 40°C ≤ Toperation ≤ 55°C
where Toperation = needed ambient Temperature (air inlet).

2.3.2 Derating factor kPulse for pulse frequencies higher than the factors-set
pulse frequency

With SINAMICS S120 Motor Modules, the maximum output frequency is limited to
100 Hz or 160 Hz due to the factory-set pulse frequency in vector control mode
(drive object of vector type) of fPulse = 1.25 kHz (current controller clock cycle = 400
μs) or fPulse = 2.00 kHz (current controller clock cycle = 250 μs). The pulse
frequency must be increased if higher output frequencies are to be achieved. Since

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 2 Load duty cycle

the switching losses in the motor-side IGBT inverter increase when the pulse
frequency is raised, the output current must be reduced accordingly. The table
below states the rated output currents of SINAMICS S120 Motor Modules format
chassis with the factory-set pulse frequency, as well as the current derating factors
(permissible output currents referred to the rated output current) at higher pulse
frequencies. The pulse frequencies for the values in the orange boxes can be
selected simply by changing a parameter (even during operation), i.e. they do not
necessitate a change to the factory-set current controller clock cycle. The pulse
frequencies for the values in the grey boxes require a change in the factory-set
current controller clock cycle and can therefore be selected only at the
commissioning stage. The assignment between current controller clock cycles and
possible pulse frequencies can be found in the List Manual (Parameter List).

Figure 2-3 SINAMICS S120: Permissible output current (current derating factor) as a
function of pulse frequency
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

The derating factor kPulse for the operation of a 250 kW SINAMICS S120 Motor
Modules format chassis with a pulse frequency of 4 kHz is according to the table
0,78.

Table 2-2 Maximum attainable output frequency as a function of pulse frequency in

operation with factory-set current controller clock cycles
Pulse frequency Maximum attainable output frequency
1.25 kHz 100 Hz
2.00 kHz 160 Hz
2.50 kHz 200 Hz
≥4.00 kHz 300 Hz

2.3.3 Derating factor kParallel for parallel operation of S120 Motor Modules

The derating factor kParallel is generally 0.95 for SINAMICS S120 Motor Modules

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 2 Load duty cycle

2.3.4 Derating factor kIGBT for periodic load duty cycles in order to protect
against premature IGBT failure

The derating factor kIGBT is unit-specific and must only be applied in the case of
regularly recurring, periodic load duty cycles in order to limit the temperature swing
ΔTChip in the IGBT and thus to protect against premature IGBT failure.

The following derating characteristics are showing the derating factor kIGBT as a
function of the current ratio ΔI = IShortTime/IBaseLoad and the load duty cycle duration T.
The assignment between derating characteristics 1 to 3 and SINAMICS S120
Motor Modules air-cooled are given in the assignment table below the derating
characteristics.

Figure 2-4 Derating factor kIGBT as a function of the current ratio ΔI = IShortTime / IBaseLoad and
the load duty cycle duration T
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

Table 2-3 Assignement table between derating characteristic and SINAMICS S120 Motor
Modules air cooled
SINAMICS S120 Motor Modules air cooled
(Chassis and Cabinet Modules)

Output power Rated output current

Derating-characteristic
[kW] [A]
3AC 380 V – 480V bzw. DC 510V – 720V
110 210 3
132 260 2
160 310 1
200 380 2
250 490 3
315 605 3

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 2 Load duty cycle

SINAMICS S120 Motor Modules air cooled

(Chassis and Cabinet Modules)

Output power Rated output current

Derating-characteristic
[kW] [A]
400 745 3
450 840 3
560 985 2
710 1260 1
800 1405 2

For understanding of the derating factor kIGBT here are 3 examples:

Figure 2-5 Load duty cycle 1

400
350A
350
300
233A
[A]

250
Strom[A]
Current

200
T = 300s
150
100
50
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

0
0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 540 600
Time [s]
Zeit [s]

The periodic recurring load duty cycle 1 is specified with a short-time current of 350
A for 60 seconds and a base load current of 233A for a load duty duration time T of
300 seconds. The current ratio ΔI = IShortTime / IBaseLoad is 1,5 = 350 A / 233 A. For
this load duty cycle a 132 kW Motor Module is selected. The 132 kW Motor Module
is specified with a base load IH of 233 A and a short-time current of 1,5 ⋅ IH = 350
A.
According to the derating characteristic 2 the current derating factor kIGBT is 1. This
means, no current derating is necessary for this load duty cycle for the selected132
kW Motor Module. This is no surprise; the specification of the load duty cycle 1 is
identical with the specification of ‘High Overload’ duty cycle of the132 kW Motor
Modules.
Figure 2-6 Load duty cycle 2

400
350A
350
300
250
233A
[A]
Strom[A]
Current

200
T = 150s
150
100
50
0
0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 540 600
Time [s]
Zeit[s]

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 2 Load duty cycle

As against the load duty cycle 1 now the short time current of 350 A for 60 seconds
is divided in two parts of each 30 seconds over the load duty duration of 300
seconds. The base load current is still 233 A. But now the load duty duration T is
only 150 seconds for the periodic recurring load duty cycle. The current ratio ΔI =
IShortTime / IBaseLoad is still 1,5 = 350 A / 233 A.
According to the derating characteristic 2 for the 132 kW Motor Module the current
derating factor is kIGBT = 1. Thought the numbers of load changes and also the
numbers of the temperature swings ΔTChip is doubled at the same time range in
comparison to the load duty cycle 1,for load duty cycle 2 a current derating is not
necessary to avoid a reduction of the life time of the IGBTs.

Figure 2-7 Load duty cycle 3

400
350A
350
300
250
Strom[A]
[A]

200
Current

150
116A
100
50 T = 300s

0
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 540 600

Time [s]
Zeit[s]

As against the load duty cycle 1 the required base load current is only 233/2 =
116A. The short time current is still 350 A for 60 seconds. The load cycle duration
T is also still 300 seconds for the periodic recurring load duty cycle.
The current ration ΔI = IShortTime / IBaseLoad is now 3 = 350 A / 116 A.
According to the derating characteristic 2 for the 132 kW Motor Module the current
derating factor is kIGBT = 0,95. The height of the load changes and the height of the
temperature swings ΔTChip increase in comparison to the load duty cycle 1.
Therefore for load duty cycle 3 a current derating is necessary to avoid a reduction
of the life time of the IGBTs. With the current derating factor of 0,95 the 132 kW
Motor Module cannot cover the required short time current and for load duty cycle
3 the 160 KW Motor Module must be selected.
The current derating factor for the load cycle 3 is smaller than the current derating
factor for load cycle 2. Against a first impression the load cycle 3 is the worse
operating condition.
In the praxis the calculation of the current ratio ΔI = IShortTime / IBaseLoad and of the
load cycle duration T is more complex for the existing load duty cycles. Because
the derating factor kIGBT shall prevent a reduction of the life time of the IGBT in
case of temperature swing, it is also important to consider besides the load duty
cycles the use duration of the drive.
For a crane in a production which is only in operation for one or two moves per day
the consideration of the current derating factor kIGBT is not as relevant as in the
case of a process crane which is for 24 hours per day in operation. For crane
drives without regularly recurring, periodic load duty cycles e.g. gantry drives for a
STS Crane the derating factor kIGBT does not have to be considered.

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 3 Operation at low output frequencies

3 Operation at low output frequencies

At high output frequencies, the chip temperature T Chip and the chip temperature
swing ΔTChip always remain within permissible limits in both steady-state
continuous operation and in all permissible load duty cycles specified in section
"Load duty cycles". As the output frequency decreases, the chip temperature and
chip temperature fluctuation increase continuously and can reach critical values
below 10 Hz. If no allowance is made for this relation when the drive is configured,
there is a risk, depending on the operating conditions, that the thermal monitoring
model will intervene in an undesirable way and / or that the lifetime of the IGBTs
will be significantly reduced.

3.1 Operation without overload at low output frequencies <

10 Hz
Depending on whether it is only necessary to prevent intervention by the thermal
monitoring model in the event of occasional low output frequencies, or whether the
lifetime of the IGBTs also needs to be considered in cases where low output
frequencies occur frequently, i.e. corresponding to more than approximately 1 % to
max. 2 % of the total period of operation, the measures to be taken differ.

3.1.1 Operation without overload with occasional periods of low output

© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

frequencies <10 Hz

In this case, the drive must only be configured to ensure that no overload reaction
is initiated by the thermal monitoring model. The effect on the lifetime of the IGBTs
is negligible and need not be taken into account.

If the converter is to be operated occasionally, i.e. for a period corresponding to

less than approximately 1 % to max. 2 % % of its total operating period, at output
frequencies of less than 10 Hz without intervention by the overload reaction, the
output current must be derated as a function of the output frequency according to
the derating curve below (precondition: Overload reaction setting is p290 = 1).

Figure 3-1 Permissible output current in operation without overload with occasional periods
of low output frequencies as a function of the output frequency

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 3 Operation at low output frequencies

3.1.2 Operation without overload with frequent periods of low output

frequencies <10 Hz

In this case, the converter must be configured to ensure that the thermal monitoring
model does not trigger inappropriate overload reactions and that the lifetime of the
IGBTs is not significantly reduced. If the converter is to be operated frequently, i.e.
for a period corresponding to more than about 2 % of its total operating period, or
continuously at output frequencies of less than 10 Hz without intervention of an
overload reaction and without risk of premature IGBT failure, the output current
must be reduced as a function of the output frequency according to the derating
curve below.

Figure 3-2 Permissible output current in operation without overload with frequent periods of
low output frequencies as a function of the output frequency
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

3.2 Operation with high overload at low output frequencies

< 10 Hz
As the output frequency decreases, the absolute chip temperature T Chip reaches its
limit value after ever shorter periods of overload with the result that the thermal
monitoring model might eventually intervene after very short periods of overload.
This must be taken into account at the configuring stage.

As the output frequency decreases, the temperature swing ΔTChip also increases
continuously during the overload period. If the periods of overload occur frequently
or periodically with more than approximately 1 % to max. 2 % of the total operating
period, measures must be taken to ensure that the lifetime of the IGBTs is not
reduced. Depending on whether it is only necessary to prevent the intervention by
the thermal monitoring model at occasional overloads or whether the lifetime of the
IGBTs has to be taken in account when the sum of the overload periods
corresponds to more than approximately 1 % to max. 2 % of the total operating
time, different measures are required.

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 3 Operation at low output frequencies

3.2.1 Operation with high overload with occasional periods of low output
frequencies < 10 Hz

In this case, the drive must only be configured to ensure that no overload reaction
is initiated by the thermal monitoring model. The effect on the lifetime of the IGBTs
is negligible and need not be taken into account. If the converter has to operate
occasionally, i.e. for a period corresponding to less than approx. 1 % to max. 2 % of
its total operating time, without intervention of the overload reaction at output
frequencies of less than 10 Hz with a short-time current IShort-time = 1.5 • IH according
to the load duty cycle high overload, the short-time current IShort-time and the base
load current IH must be reduced as a function of the output frequency and the
overload period t according to the derating curve below (precondition: Overload
reaction parameter is set to p290 = 1).

Figure 3-3 Permissible short-time current and base load current with occasional periods of
high overload as a function of the output frequency and the overload period
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

As the derating curve indicates, high current loads for brief periods at low output
frequencies, such as those which might occur during occasional starting and
braking, can be ignored provided that they do not last longer than 1 s in each case
and the total high-load period equals less than 2% of the total operating time. As
an example, the hoisting drive for a container crane is normally accelerated or
braked at high current several times over a period of 60 seconds. However, since
the operating conditions - which involve low output frequencies and high output
currents - normally last only for a period of fractions of a second and do not total
more than about 2% of the total operating time of the drive, no derating needs to
be applied when drives of this type are configured.

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 3 Operation at low output frequencies

Figure 3-4 Frequency curve at acceleration for 2 seconds to 50 Hz

The time characteristic of the output frequency at an acceleration for 2 seconds

from 0 Hz to 50 Hz shows that after 0,4 seconds the output frequency is higher
than 10 Hz.

For other operations modes, for example slow lowering for positioning the load
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

(creep motion), it must be checked, if the selected Motor Module can be used.

3.2.2 Operation with high overload with frequent periods of low output
frequencies <10 Hz

In this case, the converter must be configured to ensure that the thermal monitoring
model does not trigger inappropriate overload reactions and that the lifetime of the
IGBTs is not significantly reduced. If the converter has to operate frequently, i.e. for
a period corresponding to more than about 2 % of its total operating time, without
intervention of the overload reaction and without risk of premature IGBT failure at
output frequencies of less than 10 Hz with a short-time current IShort-time = 1.5 • IH
according to the load duty cycle high overload, the short-time current IShort-time and
the associated base load current IH must be reduced as a function of the output
frequency according to the derating curve below

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 3 Operation at low output frequencies

Figure 3-5 Permissible short-time current and permissible base load current with frequent
periods of high overload as a function of the output frequency
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

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 4 Dimension examples

4 Dimension examples
The following 2 examples shall help to use in the praxis the in chapter 1 and 2
described dimension guidelines. Particularly in the praxis the determination of the
derating factor kIGBT is very difficult. Since this derating factor has to be used only
at regularly recurring, periodic load duty cycles the dimension examples for a hoist
and a trolley of a STS Crane are selected.

4.1 Hoist for STS Crane

A SINAMICS S120 Motor Module format chassis air cooled is selected for a hoist
drive of a STS Crane with 480V mains supply at ambient temperature for maximal
40°C and installation altitude less than 1000m. The Motor Module is to be operated
with factory-set pulse frequency in vector control mode (drive object of Vector
type). The absolute value of the motor current I(t) (blue curve) and the motor
frequency f(t) (red curve) is given in the diagram 1.

Figure 4-1 Diagram 1

900 Hoisting Lowering 90
Hoisting with load Lowering with load without load without load Hoisting with load Lowering with load Lowering
[A][A]

700 without load70

current

500 50

frequency [1/s]
Motorstroms

[1/s]
300 30

Motorfrequenz
desmotor

100 10
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

-100 0 25 50 75 100 125 -10

Hoisting
value

-300 without load -30

Betrag

Motor
-500 -50
Absolute

-700 -70
-900 -90
Zeit
Time [s][s]
Container pick up Container deposit Container pick up Container deposit
land side water side water side land side
Motorstrom
Motor current Motorfrequenz
Motor frequency

The load cycle starts with the pick up of a container on land side. After a trolley
movement the container is deposited in the ship (water side). A new container is
picked up in the ship and is deposited on the land side. The cycle starts again with
the pick up on a new container on land side. The values refer to a full loaded
container. The following values can be read or calculated from the diagram:
- maximal required motor current IMotor_max = 865 A
- maximal required motor frequency fMotor_max = 76 Hz
- load cycle duration T= 146 s
- RMS value of required motor current

𝐼 𝑇 +𝐼 𝑇 +⋯+𝐼𝑚 𝑇𝑚 2 2 2
𝐼𝑀𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑚𝑠 = √ 1 1 2 2𝑇 = 512𝐴
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 ∑𝑚
1 𝑇𝑚 = 𝑇

4.1.1 Selection for Motor Module

According to diagram 1 the Motor Module must be capable of supplying a short-

time current IShortTime of 865 A (IMotor_max). It therefore requires a base load current IH
of at least
IShortTime / 1,5 = 865 A / 1,5 = 577 A.

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 4 Dimension examples

For this reason, the Motor Module for 480 V mains supply and IRated = 840A is
selected which, has a based load current IH of 700 A and a short-time current
IShortTime of 1,5 ⋅ IH = 1050 A.

The next smaller Motor Module has a based load current IH of 570 A and this is too
small. The factory-set pulse frequency for vector control mode is 1,25 kHz.
We shall now use a calculation to determine whether the selected Motor Module is
suitable for the required periodic load duty cycle operating on the factory-set pulse
frequency under the conditions for a hoist drive specified above.

4.1.2 Determination of the current derating

Determine the current derating factor kD:

kTemp = 1,0 (ambient temperature < 40 °C, installation altitude < 2000 m)
kPulse = 1.0 (factory-set pulse frequency, fMotor_max < 100 Hz)
kParallel = 1.0 (not a parallel connection of S120 Motor Modules)

For the determination of the derating factor IIGBT the current ratio
ΔI = IShortTime / IBase-load
and the load cycle duration T must be defined from the diagram 1.

In contrast to the load cycle examples from 1.3.4 a simple and clear determination
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

of the required short time current IShortTime and the required base load current
IBaseLoad for a load cycle duration T is not possible in case of the typically load cycle
for hoist drives. At hoist application the regularly recurring, periodical load cycle is
not given by the reason of variable load duties (weight of the container to be
transported) in the form as in the case of production machines. To take into
account the negative influence of the temperature swing ΔTChip at the life time of
the IGBTs caused by the load cycle but to prevent an over engineering on the
other hand the following assignment is set for hoist drives with operation at
recurring, periodical load cycle:
IShortTime = IMotor_max (maximal required motor current)
IBaseLoad = IMotor_rms (RMS value of required motor current)
Load cycle duration T = 300s (per definition)

The current ratio ΔI is therefore calculated as follows:

ΔI = IShortTime / IBaseLoad = IMotor_max / IMotor_rms = 865 A / 512 A = 1,69
With ΔI = 1,69 and T = 300 s the derating factor according to the derating
characteristic 3 which is applicable to the selected Motor Module with I Rated = 840 A
is: kIGBT = 0,98.

Figure 4-2 Derating characteristic 3

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 4 Dimension examples

The current derating factor kD is therefore calculated as follows:

kD = kTemp ⋅ kPulse ⋅ kParallel ⋅ kIGBT = 1,0 ⋅ 1,0 ⋅ 1,0 ⋅ 0,98 = 0,98

4.1.3 Checking for permissible short-time current

With the based load current IH = 700 A and the current derating factor kD = 0,98 the
permissible short-time current is calculated as follows:

IShortTime = 1,5 ⋅kD ⋅ IH = 1.5 ⋅ 0,98 ⋅ 700 A = 1029 A

This value is higher than the required maximum motor current of 855A and the
selection of the Motor Module is for this case okay.

4.1.4 Checking for the I²T value of motor current

With the formula for the RMS value calculation

2 2
𝐼 𝑇 +𝐼 𝑇 +⋯+𝐼𝑚 𝑇𝑚 2
𝐼𝑅𝑀𝑆 = √ 1 1 2 2
𝑇

where ∑𝑚
1 𝑇𝑚 =𝑇
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

the required RMS value of the motor current is calculated according to time
characteristic of motor current as shown in diagram 1 to IMotor_rms = 512 A for the
load cycle duration T = 146s.

With the rated current IRated = 840 A, the permissible I²t value of 87 % (see table on page
10) and the current derating factor kD = 0,98 the following condition must be
checked:

𝐼 2 𝑇1 +𝐼22 𝑇2 +⋯+𝐼𝑚
2𝑇
𝐼𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 ∗ 0,87 ∗ 𝑘𝐷 > √ 1 𝑚
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 ∑𝑚
1 𝑇𝑚 = 𝑇
𝑇
840 A ⋅ 0,87 ⋅ 0,98 > 512 A
716 A > 512 A

The condition is true and the selection of the Motor Modules is okay.

4.1.5 Checking for the operation at low output frequencies <10 Hz

According to the diagram 1 the hoist frequency is 9 Hz for 2 seconds before pick up
and deposits a container (creep speed). In total this low frequency occurs at 4
times during the load cycle duration T = 146 s. The ratio between duration of low
output frequency and load cycle duration is calculated as follows:
2 s ⋅ 4 / T ⋅ 100% = 2s ⋅ 4 / 146 s ⋅ 100% = 5,5 %

The ratio of the low frequency with 5,5% is more than 2 % of the total operating
time. The maximum required motor current during the creep speed is 560 A
(hoisting with load). Therefor the derating characteristic described section "2.1.2
Operation without overload with frequent periods of low output frequencies < 10
Hz" must be applied for the phases of the creep speed:

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 4 Dimension examples

Figure 4-3 Permissible output current in operation without overload with frequent periods of
low output frequencies as a function of the output frequency

According to the derating characteristic the Motor Module may be operated at a

maximum of only 90 % of its rated current in operation at 9 Hz output frequency if
premature failure of the unit is to be avoided. The permissible current during the
creep speed is calculated as follows:
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

I9Hz = 0,9 ⋅ IRated = 0,9 ⋅ 840 A = 756 A.

This value is higher than the required 560 A. The Motor Module therefore can be
operated continuously with 560 A at 9 Hz during the creep speed.

4.1.6 Result

The selected Motor Module SINAMICS S120 air cooled for 480 V mains supply and
rated current IRated = 840 A fullfill all three dimension criteria’s
• of the permissible short time current
• of the I²T value of the motor current
• of the operation at low output frequencies < 10 Hz
and is thus suitable for the hoist drive with the required load duty cycle provided it
is operated at the factory-set pulse frequency.

4.2 Trolley for STS Crane

A SINAMICS S120 Motor Module format chassis air cooled is selected for a trolley
drive of a STS Crane with 480V mains supply at ambient temperature for maximal
40°C and installation altitude less than 1000m. The Motor Module is to be operated
with factory-set pulse frequency in vector control mode (drive object of Vector
type). The absolute value of the motor current I(t) (blue curve) and the motor
frequency f(t) (red curve) is given in the diagram 2.

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 4 Dimension examples

Figure 4-4 Diagram 2

Water side Water sideLand side Land side
600 Land sideWater side 90

[A] [A]
500 75

motor current
400 60

des Motorstroms
300 45

frequency [1/s]
[1/s]
200 30

Motorfrequenz
100 15
0 0
-100 0 25 50 75 100 125 -15
value
Betrag -200 -30

Motor
-300 -45
Absolute
-400 -60
-500 -75
-600 -90
Zeit[s]
Time [s]
Container pick up Container deposit Container pick up Container deposit
land side water side water side land side
Motorstrom
Motor current Motorfrequenz
Motor frequency

The load cycle starts with the pick up of a container on land side. After a trolley
movement “Landside  Water side” the container is deposited in the ship (water
side). After the next short movement of the trolley a new container is picked up in
the ship and is deposited on the land side after the trolley movement “Water side 
Land side”. After the next short trolley movement to the position of the next
container on land side the cycle starts again with the pick up on the new container
on land side. The values refer to a full loaded container. The following values can
be read or calculated from the diagram:
- maximal required motor current IMotor_max = 574 A
- maximal required motor frequency fMotor_max = 88 Hz
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

- load cycle duration T = 146 s

- RMS value of required motor current
-
2 2
𝐼 𝑇 +𝐼 𝑇 +⋯+𝐼𝑚 𝑇𝑚 2
𝐼𝑀𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑟_𝑟𝑚𝑠 = √ 1 1 2 2 = 193𝐴 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 ∑𝑚
1 𝑇𝑚 = 𝑇
𝑇

4.2.1 Selection for Motor Module

According to diagram 2 the Motor Module must be capable of supplying a short-

time current IShortTime of 574 A (IMotor_max). It therefore requires a base load current IH
of at least

IShortTime / 1,5 = 574 A / 1,5 = 383 A.

For this reason, the Motor Module for 480 V mains supply and IRated = 490A is
selected which has a based load current IH of 438 A and a short-time current
IShortTime of 1,5 ⋅ IH = 657 A. The next smaller Motor Module has a based load
current IH of 340 A and this is too small. The factory-set pulse frequency for vector
control mode is 2 kHz. We shall now use a calculation to determine whether the
selected Motor Module is suitable for the required periodic load duty cycle
operating on the factory-set pulse frequency under the conditions for a trolley drive
specified above.

4.2.2 Determination of the current derating

Determine the current derating factor kD:

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 4 Dimension examples

kTemp = 1,0 (ambient temperature < 40 °C, installation altitude < 2000 m)
kPulse = 1.0 (factory-set pulse frequency, fMotor_max < 100 Hz)
kParallel = 1.0 (not a parallel connection of S120 Motor Modules)

For the determination of the derating factor IIGBT the current ratio ΔI = IShortTime /
IBaseLoad and the load cycle duration T must be defined from the diagram 2.

In contrast to the load cycle examples from 2.3.4 a simple and clear determination
of the required short time current IShortTime and the required base load current
IBaseLoad for a load cycle duration T is not possible in case of the typically load cycle
for trolley drives. At trolley application the regularly recurring, periodical load cycle
is not given by the reason of variable load duties in the form as in the case of
production machines. To take into account the negative influence of the
temperature swing ΔTChip at the life time of the IGBTs caused by the load cycle but
to prevent an over engineering on the other hand the following assignment is set
for trolley drives with operation at recurring, periodical load cycle:

IShortTime = IMotor_max (maximal required motor current)

IBaseLoad = IMotor_rms (RMS value of required motor current)
Load cycle duration T = 300s (per definition)

The current ratio ΔI is therefore calculated as follows:

© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

ΔI = IShortTime / IBaseLoad = IMotor_max / IMotor_rms = 574 A / 193 A = 2,97

With ΔI = 2,97 and T = 300 s the derating factor according to the derating
characteristic 3 which is applicable to the selected Motor Module with IRated = 490 A
is:
kIGBT = 0,9.

Figure 4-5 Derating characteristic 3

The current derating factor kD is therefore calculated as follows:

kD = kTemp ⋅ kPulse ⋅ kParallel ⋅ kIGBT = 1,0 ⋅ 1,0 ⋅ 1,0 ⋅ 0,9 = 0,9

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 4 Dimension examples

4.2.3 Checking for permissible short-time current

With the based load current IH = 438 A and the current derating factor kD = 0,9 the
permissible short-time current is calculated as follows:

IShortTime = 1,5 ⋅kD ⋅ IH = 1.5 ⋅ 0,9 ⋅ 438 A = 591 A

This value is higher than the required maximum motor current of 574A and the
selection of the Motor Module is for this case okay.

4.2.4 Checking for the I²T value of motor current

With the formula for the RMS value calculation

2 2
𝐼 𝑇 +𝐼 𝑇 +⋯+𝐼𝑚 𝑇𝑚 2
𝐼𝑅𝑀𝑆 = √ 1 1 2 2 where ∑𝑚
1 𝑇𝑚 = 𝑇
𝑇

the required RMS value of the motor current is calculated according to time
characteristic of motor current as shown in diagram 2 to IMotor_rms = 193 A for the
load cycle duration T = 146s.
With the rated current IRated = 490 A and the current derating factor kD = 0,9 the
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

following condition must be checked:

𝐼 2 𝑇1 +𝐼22 𝑇2 +⋯+𝐼𝑚
2𝑇
𝐼𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 ∗ 𝑘𝐷 > √ 1 𝑚
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 ∑𝑚
1 𝑇𝑚 = 𝑇
𝑇
490 A ⋅ 0,9 > 193 A
441 A > 193 A
The condition is true and the selection of the Motor Modules is okay.

4.2.5 Checking for the operation at low output frequencies <10 Hz

According to the diagram 2 an operation condition is not given for the operation at
durably low output frequencies. The specification of the trolley movement is
idealized. It is possible to move with a creep speed during the positioning to the
position of the container in the praxis. For this reason here is checked, which low
frequency of the selected Motor Modules is possible to operate without reduction of
the life time of the IGBT. Therefore, the derating characteristic described section
"3.1.2 Operation without overload with frequent periods of low output frequencies
<10 Hz" must be applied.

According to diagram 2 the motor current for the movement of a container with
constant speed is IMotor_V = 222 A. The Motor Module has a rated current IRated =
490 A.
The ratio between both currents is:

IMotor_V / IRated 100 % = 222 A / 490A 100 % = 45 %.

According to the derating characteristic the Motor Module may be operated at 1 Hz
with a maximum of 50% of its rated current if premature failure of the unit is to be
avoided. This value is higher than the required 45%. The Motor Module therefore
can be operated continuously with a creep speed of 1Hz without reduction of the
life time.

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 4 Dimension examples

Figure 4-6 Permissible output current in operation without overload with frequent periods
of low output frequencies as a function of the output frequency

4.2.6 Result
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

The selected Motor Module SINAMICS S120 air cooled for 480 V mains supply and
rated current IRated = 490 A fulfill all three dimension criteria’s
▪ of the permissible short time current
▪ of the I²T value of the motor current
▪ of the operation at low output frequencies < 10 Hz
and is thus suitable for the hoist drive with the required load duty cycle provided it
is operated at the factory-set pulse frequency.

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 5 Measures for the rise of the life time of the IGBT

5 Measures for the rise of the life time of the

IGBT
In crane applications for example hoisting drives the drive is shut down repeated at
relatively short intervals by the issue of an inverter pulse disable command and the
motor is reliably halted by the sole action of mechanical holding brakes. To restart
the drive, mechanical holding brake is released and the inverter pulse disable
command is canceled. So that the motor can then produce the required torque as
quickly as possible, it is often remagnetized very rapidly. For this purpose, the
shortest possible magnetizing time is selected and the full overload capability of the
inverter is utilized during remagnetization of the motor.

Every time the motor is remagnitized in this way, very high temperature swings
occur as a result of the combination of low input frequency and high current load
and can have an extremely negative impact on the lifetime of the IGBTs in the
inverter in the application described above. This is especially true when the
application requires the motor to be remagnetized rapidly at periodic intervals
ranging from a few seconds to several minutes and, as regards the configuring
process, this scenario must be treated like a periodic load duty cycle with extremely
high load fluctuations.
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

In order to avoid a substantial reduction of the IGBT lifetime with applications of

this kind, a remagnetizing period should be programmed that is long enough to
ensure that the remagnetizing current does not exceed around 70% of the inverter
rated current. In applications for which an inverter pulse disable during standstill is
not essential for the process or for safety reasons, the inverter should continue to
switch during the standstill period so that remagnetization of the motor after restart
becomes completely unnecessary. Please notice the following measures at the
commissioning!

5.1 Optimization of excitation build-up time and de-

excitation time
For verification of the magnetizing current the actual current value (r0068) has to
be measured with the trace functionality during the magnetizing phase. The smaller
the excitation build-up time, the higher is the magnetizing current. The motor
excitation build-up time (p0346) shall be selected in the way, that the resulting
magnetizing current is smaller than 0,75 * IRated of the Motor Module. Since the
rotor time constant of a motor has influence on the dependence between the
excitation build-up time and the magnetizing current, the permitted smallest
selectable excitation build-up time is dependent on the motor size.

As reference value for the excitation build-up time 300 ms can be supposed for a
100 kW motor and 800 ms for an 800 kW.

The excitation build up time is calculated approximately:

𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑟
𝑡𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑_𝑢𝑝 ≈ 𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡. (valid for p1401.6 = 0)
( −1)
𝐼𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡.

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 5 Measures for the rise of the life time of the IGBT

Key to equation:
• trotor motor-rotor time constant (r0384),
• Imagnet. excitation build-up magnetizing current, should smaller than
0,75 * IRated of the Motor Module,
• Imotor magnet. motor magnetizing current (p0320 or r0331)

Figure 5-1 Reference values for the excitation build-up time dependence of the motor
power
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

The diagram in figure 5-2 shows the relationship between the excitation build-up
time and the excitation magnetizing current for the 1PH8350-7xC0 motor (PN = 600
kW, IN = 840 A) based on a measurement and on the calculation.

Figure 5-2 Relationship excitation build-up time to excitation magnetizing current for
1PH8350-7xC0

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 5 Measures for the rise of the life time of the IGBT

At use of an inverter with Irated = 1260 A the result is at 0.7 *Irated for this motor an
excitation build-up time of 694 ms from the calculation and 665 ms from the
measuring.

The excitation build-up time and de-excitation time must not be set smaller than
0.2 * motor rotor time constant (r0384). The functionality quick magnetizing
(p1401.6) must not be used in case of high magnetizing currents. At frequent
periodical use of high magnetizing currents the life time of the IGBT is influenced
very strongly negatively in the converter. Therefore the p1401.6 = 0 should be set.
The fan run-on time after the pulses for the power unit have been cancelled, must
be set in crane application p0295 = 600s.

Unnecessary motor magnetizing has to be avoided.

The motor will be not demagnetized after the machine is in standstill and the brake
is closed. This means the motor remains magnetized with standstill field for several
minutes (experience value 2 - 10 minutes for 1PQ/1PH motors; 2 - 5 minutes for
1LA motors).

Note for sequential control:

For doing this a drive must be enabled or disabled by STW1.8 instead of by
STW1.0 to STW1.3. In other words, for enable/disenable a drive use following
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

settings:
STW1.0 (OFF0) = TRUE;
STW1.1 (OFF1) = TRUE;
STW1.2 (OFF2) = TRUE;
STW1.3 (Operation enable) = TRUE;
STW1.8 (sped-controller enable) = TRUE / FALSE (enable drive/ disable drive).

If the actual speed value reaches 0.0 and the feedback of ‘brake closed’ is
available, the STW1 bit 8 should be removed after 500ms (safety buffer to make
sure the brake is closed). In this way it reduces the unnecessary load current on
motors which are in standstill and with closed brake. This shortens the operation
time at low frequency output with large currents on output of converters. This
measure can be applied for forced-ventilated motors (1PQ/ 1PH) due to their
ensured cooling in the standstill. For non-ventilated machines (1LA), however this
must be limited by only a few minutes (max. 5 minutes) because of insufficient
cooling at standstill. Otherwise this leads to over-temperature of motors. In case of
warning message of over-temperature, the drive must be switched off by using
STW 1.0 till STW1.3 and the separate fan should keep running.

SINAMICS S120 concerned parameters:

r0086 actual current absolute value
p0295 fan run-on time
p0320 Motor rated magnetizing current
r0331 Actual motor magnetizing current
p0346 motor excitation build-up time
p0347 motor de-excitation time
r0384 motor rotor time constant
p1401 Flux control configuration

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 5 Measures for the rise of the life time of the IGBT

5.2 Further optimization measures

5.2.1 Optimization of start pulse function

The Start pulse function from SIMOCRANE Basic Technology can avoid load sag
when starting hoisting gear with a suspended load. With the correct parameter
setting, the risk of damage of power semiconductors can also be minimized. The
Start pulse (pulse value, pulse length and time to enable) should be adjusted so
that an unnecessary starting current against the closed brake, thus current spikes
up to the current limit, does not occur. In other words, an unnecessarily high start
pulse current should be avoided.

5.2.2 Optimization of ramp-up time and ramp-downtime as well as

maximum current and maximum torque

Ramp-up time and ramp-down time as well as maximum torque and maximum
current should be set with the values given/calculated from OEM. These values
should be checked in movement with rated load. In normal cases the
parameterized current limits must not be exceeded.

5.2.3 DC link voltage

The DC link voltage should be adjusted to a value as low as possible with

© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

consideration of the field weakening function. This factory-set dc-link value for
SINAMICS S120 Active Line Modules is 1.5* Vmains_supply. Any higher value should
be avoided.

5.2.4 Heat sink temperature

A regulation of the heat sink temperature to a constant value reduces the chip
temperature difference. It is also helpful to keep inlet air temperature as low as
possible.

Avoid values lower than 25°C to prevent condensation

CAUTION

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 6 Appendix

6 Appendix
6.1 Service and support
Industry Online Support
Do you have any questions or need assistance?
Siemens Industry Online Support offers round the clock access to our entire
service and support know-how and portfolio.
The Industry Online Support is the central address for information about our
products, solutions and services.
Product information, manuals, downloads, FAQs, application examples and videos
– all information is accessible with just a few mouse clicks:
support.industry.siemens.com

Technical Support
The Technical Support of Siemens Industry provides you fast and competent
support regarding all technical queries with numerous tailor-made offers
– ranging from basic support to individual support contracts.
Please send queries to Technical Support via Web form:
siemens.com/SupportRequest
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

SITRAIN – Digital Industry Academy

We support you with our globally available training courses for industry with
practical experience, innovative learning methods and a concept that’s tailored to
the customer’s specific needs.
For more information on our offered trainings and courses, as well as their
locations and dates, refer to our web page:
siemens.com/sitrain

Service offer
Our range of services includes the following:
• Plant data services
• Spare parts services
• Repair services
• On-site and maintenance services
• Retrofitting and modernization services
• Service programs and contracts
You can find detailed information on our range of services in the service catalog
web page:
support.industry.siemens.com/cs/sc

Industry Online Support app

You will receive optimum support wherever you are with the "Siemens Industry
Online Support" app. The app is available for iOS and Android:
support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/sc/2067

Dimensioning and use of SINAMICS S120 Motor modules

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 6 Appendix

6.2 Industry Mall

The Siemens Industry Mall is the platform on which the entire siemens Industry
product portfolio is accessible. From the selection of products to the order and the
delivery tracking, the Industry Mall enables the complete purchasing processing –
directly and independently of time and location:
mall.industry.siemens.com

6.3 Application support

Siemens AG
Digital Industries
Motion Control
Cranes
DI MC GMC CR
© Siemens AG 2013 All rights reserved

Frauenauracher Str. 80
91056 Erlangen, Germany
mailto: [email protected]

6.4 Links and literature

Table 6-1
No. Topic
\1\ Siemens Industry Online Support
https://support.industry.siemens.com
\2\ Link to this entry page of this application example
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/ 65300499
\3\

6.5 Change documentation

Table 6-2
Version Date Modifications
V1.0 10/2013 First release full english version
V1.1 03/2014 Insert formula for excitation build up time
V1.2 04/2014 Change the Name AP07 in AP14, double Name
V1.3 06/2020 Review (Second full version)
V1.4 01/2022 Third full version

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