A Rail Traction Converter Platform Based on Power Module Implementations with 450 A, 600 A and 800 A 3.3 kV IGBT Modules

Abstract:
Compared to the single IGBT modules in the conventional package (140x190-130-73 mm footprint), the half-bridge IGBT modules in the new package with 140x100 mm footprint have advantages in terms of power scalability through low-, mid-, and high-power rail traction converter segments as well as DC bus bar design, paralleling, and compatibility with SiC technology for future. This study focuses on an 800 kW Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) (mid-power) and a 1250 kW locomotive (high-power) trac-tion converter applications with two-level circuit topology employing 450 A, 600 A and 800 A 3.3 kV half-bridge IGBT modules in the 140x100 mm package. Using these IGBT modules with 2 and 4 IGBT modules in parallel, a power module platform with the common components is proposed. To compare the converter realization options based on this platform, simulation and experimental studies are con-ducted and their results are evaluated in terms of IGBT module junction temperatures, current sharing performances and commutation inductance values. This paper shows that the power modules with 2- and 4-paralleled 450 A, 600 A and 800 A IGBT modules with proper junction temperature, commutation inductance and current sharing can be accommodated as a platform solution in the rectifier and in-verter circuits of the studied mid- and high-power applications.