This paper first outlines the benefits of Medium Voltage Variable Frequency Drives (MV-VFD) compared to classical drivers or control methods (i.e. steam/gas turbines, hydraulic coupling and Direct-On-Line operation with, for example, valve/damper control). The paper then focuses on typical variable frequency drive applications in the sugar industry and also describes two real cases, namely a MV- VFD soft-starter application at Al Khaleej Sugar Refinery, Dubai, UAE and the replacement of inefficient steam turbines for cane mill drives at Compania Azucarera Hondurena S.A, Honduras, Central America. Next, the main selection criteria for a MV-VFD system are described and finally a state-of-the-art example of such a product complying with the above-described selection criteria will be presented.
