HIGH-VOLTAGE IGBT BASED CONVERTERS FOR ROLLING STOCK: Possibilities and Challenges

The last ten years in power electronics have seen only minor changes and novelty in the field of converter topologies. On the other hand, developments in power semiconductors have been tremendous. Using new state of the art components, traditional topologies can be used more efficiently and for much higher power levels. The recent efforts in the field of semiconductors are especially interesting for high power and high voltage applications, where the voltage blocking capability of components has always been a major issue. In order to achieve the needed voltage blocking capability traditionally many low voltage components are connected in series but, as a result, the number of components and the complexity of a system will increase, which reduces the efficiency and overall reliability of the converter. Using new high-voltage IGBTs the efficiency and power density of converters and thus, the feasibility of the whole system can be enhanced. This book has presented a theoretical and practical knowledge base with detailed analysis of state of the art issues and technology trends related to rolling stock converters with high-voltage IGBTs.