Mr. Carlsson, Danfoss and Vacon have so far only been active in the low-voltage range with their frequency inverters. What prompted you to now also tackle the medium-voltage sector?

Carlsson: Following the acquisition of Vacon, Danfoss has become one of the largest manufacturers of low-voltage inverters. However, many of our customers and partners also use medium-voltage inverters and we want to serve them with a complete product range in the future. We also see that the market for medium-voltage converters is becoming increasingly important. Although the inverter market generally remains constant, we estimate that the global market for medium-voltage inverters is now worth more than two billion euros!

What specifically characterizes your new medium-voltage inverter?

Carlsson: The Vacon 3000 is built in several versions. The aim for us was to have a product range with which many different requirements can be optimally solved. The standard versions include both a cost-efficient 12-pulse version and an active front end. The latter is ideal for applications where either recuperative braking is required or the lowest possible distortion factor for the current is important.

The complete product range is water-cooled and available in two different voltage versions: 3.3 kV for the global market and 4.16 kV mainly for the North American market. The initial power range is from around 2 MW to 6 MW motor output, with higher outputs planned for the future.

The medium-voltage market is already heavily occupied by other market players. What unique selling points does Danfoss want to use to get a 'foot in the door' here?

Carlsson: Up to now, medium-voltage inverters have been supplied almost exclusively in standard control cabinets. The situation is very different for low-voltage inverters, as system integrators and machine builders in this segment often prefer their own installation solutions because these can be better adapted to specific requirements. This is precisely why Danfoss offers a modular concept for medium voltage with the 3000 series, just like for low voltage. To put it bluntly, this makes things possible that were previously not possible in medium voltage. In other words: Because Danfoss only supplies the pure installation modules, our partners can design their own housings or cabinets to best suit the application. For example, there are many applications where the installation height or length is limited or where there are special requirements, such as in terms of vibrations.

Which applications or sectors are you specifically targeting?

Carlsson: We imagine that the Vacon 3000 will mainly be used for applications in marine & offshore, mining, oil & gas and heavy industry. However, there are certainly other potential applications that we have not yet thought of.