Turgi, Switzerland— As if rejuvenated by an elixir, medium-voltage (MV) ac drives are making some agile moves for such large equipment. On May 26, ABB launched its ACS 6000 MV drive family, rated from 6 to 27 MW at supply voltages up to 3.3 kV. This extends the power range of ABB's MV drives substantially above the 5 MW provided by ACS 1000, launched in late 1997. ACS 6000 is being marketed worldwide on an industry-specific basis, with units for the metals sector (rolling mill main drives) now being built. ABB is also developing an exciting submersible version of ACS 1000 for variable-speed control of undersea pumps for offshore oil and gas production. Both ACS 6000 and ACS 1000 rely on innovative power switching devices—integrated gate-commutated thyristors, developed and manufactured by ABB Semiconductors—and Direct Torque Control, a sensorless control method offering high dynamic performance. Other manufacturers are also renewing their offerings. For expanded coverage, see "Medium-Voltage AC Drives Shed Custom Image," CE, Feb. '00, p.85 and an Online Extra article at www.controleng.com.