Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor Rectifiers: Why They Are Not Used in Traction Power Substations

Author

Gelman, Vitaly

Author_Institution

VG Controls Inc., Vernon, NJ, USA

Volume

9

Issue

3

fYear

2014

fDate

Sept. 2014

Firstpage

86

Lastpage

93

Abstract

Insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) are widely used in high-power converters. The definite advantages of IGBT rectifiers [also called pulsewidth modulation (PWM ) rectifiers] are zero reactive power, low harmonics, and inherent power recuperation capability. However, stationary traction rectifiers are built with either thyristors or diodes, not with IGBTs. This article compares IGBT and thyristor rectifiers and analyzes the factors precluding the use of IGBT rectifiers at traction power substations.

Keywords

PWM rectifiers; insulated gate bipolar transistors; reactive power; substations; traction power supplies; IGBT rectifiers; PWM rectifiers; high-power converters; inherent power recuperation; insulated-gate bipolar transistor rectifiers; pulsewidth modulation rectifiers; thyristor rectifiers; traction power substations; zero reactive power; Impedance; Insulated gate bipolar transistors; Pulse width modulation; Reactive power; Rectifiers; Switching loss; Voltage control;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Vehicular Technology Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1556-6072

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MVT.2014.2333762

Filename

6879485