Design of power electronic building blocks (PEBB) for multiMW modular traction converters

In this paper the design of PEBBs for multiMW traction power converters is presented. In particular 2 different PEBBs have been designed, developed and tested: a 2-level 2 leg module and a 3-level NPC (Neutral Point Clamped) leg module. The most important aspects of the design of PEBBs (the interconnection concept and the stray inductance minimization) are introduced in this paper. Developed PEBBs can be used to build modular converters, aimed at improving critical aspects like reliability and maintainability, as well as converter development time and cost reduction, which are fundamental in electrical traction applications today.