Power electronic traction transformer technology

Combining modern high-power semiconductor devices with constantly improving magnetic materials opens up the possibility to replace bulky low frequency transformers with a new medium voltage medium frequency conversion structures. While there are still challenges to be addressed related to these so called power electronic transformers, a steadily increasing development effort is evident and considered in various contexts. Traction applications seem to be the first ones where proliferation of these new galvanic isolated power electronic converters is expected. In this particular application field, substantial weight and volume reduction could be achieved while providing additional functionality at the same time. In this paper a survey of recent R&D efforts in this field is presented.