ABB 5SHX2645L0004 – SIL 3 Capable, Low-Loss Switching for Grid & Traction

Application Scenarios

At a Scandinavian offshore wind farm, each 8 MW turbine uses a full-power converter based on ABB 5SHX2645L0004 IGCT modules to interface with the grid. During a sudden voltage dip caused by a distant fault, the 5SHX2645L0004’s rapid commutation enabled the turbines to remain connected and support grid recovery—fulfilling strict FRT (Fault Ride-Through) requirements. Over five years, zero module failures have been recorded, despite harsh salt-laden environments and daily thermal cycling.

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: Snubberless Operation

Unlike conventional GTOs, the ABB 5SHX2645L0004 integrates the gate driver and thyristor into a single monolithic structure, enabling self-commutation without energy-wasting snubber circuits—reducing system complexity, cost, and footprint.

Innovation Point 2: Press-Pack Reliability

The 5SHX2645L0004 uses a flat, pressure-contact design with no solder joints or bond wires—eliminating common failure modes in high-cycle applications like mining hoists or rolling mills.

Innovation Point 3: Low Conduction Losses

With an on-state voltage drop of ～2.8 V at rated current, the ABB 5SHX2645L0004 achieves >98% converter efficiency, significantly reducing cooling demands and operational costs over its 20+ year lifespan.

Innovation Point 4: Grid Support Capabilities

When deployed in HVDC or STATCOM systems, the 5SHX2645L0004 enables dynamic reactive power control, black-start capability, and sub-synchronous oscillation damping—enhancing grid resilience.

Application Cases and Industry Value

In a South American copper mine, four 12 MW hoist drives based on ABB 5SHX2645L0004 modules lift ore from 1.200 meters underground. The IGCTs handle 300+ start-stop cycles daily with zero degradation. By eliminating snubbers and using water cooling, ABB reduced the drive room footprint by 35%, saving $ 1.2M in civil works.

For a European railway electrification project, 5SHX2645L0004-based static frequency converters synchronize legacy 16.7 Hz traction grids with the 50 Hz national grid. The modules’ fast response (<2 ms) prevents cascading outages during load swings—ensuring uninterrupted train service for 2 million daily commuters.

Related Product Combination Solutions

ABB ACS1000 Drive: Medium-voltage AC drive—uses 5SHX2645L0004 as inverter power blocks.

ABB PCS6000 Converter: Flexible power conversion platform—for renewables, grid interconnection.

Gate Driver Unit (e.g., 5SDD0264N0001): Dedicated driver board—optimized for 5SHX2645L0004 timing and protection.

Water Cooling System (e.g., ABB Coolant Unit CU-30): Maintains optimal junction temperature for 5SHX2645L0004 stacks.

HVDC Light® Valve Stacks: Multi-level converters—scale using hundreds of 5SHX2645L0004 modules per pole.

ABB Ability™ Condition Monitoring: Tracks IGCT health via thermal and electrical signatures—predicts maintenance needs.

Protection & Control IEDs (e.g., REL650): Coordinate with 5SHX2645L0004-based converters for system-wide protection.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installing the ABB 5SHX2645L0004 requires precise mechanical pressure (typically 15–20 kN per module) using calibrated clamping frames and clean, deionized water cooling with conductivity <0.5 µS/cm. Modules must be handled with ESD-safe tools, and gate connections require shielded twisted pairs routed away from power cables.

While the 5SHX2645L0004 is virtually maintenance-free, periodic inspection of coolant quality, contact resistance, and thermal paste integrity is recommended. ABB provides diagnostic software to monitor switching waveforms and detect early signs of wear.

With decades of field experience and global logistics hubs, ABB offers rapid spare delivery, failure analysis, and lifecycle management—including obsolescence planning and performance upgrades. The 5SHX2645L0004 is backed by one of the industry’s longest warranties for power semiconductors.

Contact us for a complete power electronics solution—including thermal modeling, short-circuit coordination, or retrofit engineering—for your next MV drive, HVDC, or renewable integration project.