Development of a method for supplying current to the arms of a rectifier-inverter converter based on IGBT for electric locomotives of the “Ermak” series

Purpose: to develop a method of current supply that ensures its uniform distribution over parallel branches of the arm of a rectifier-inverter converter based on IGBT without using equalizing devices for AC electric locomotives with a collector traction drive. Methods: a physical model of a four-transistor rectifierinverter converter arm connected through a controlled power key to a power source was built, on which an analysis of the current distribution was carried out for various methods of its supply to parallel branches. Results: diagrams of current distribution along parallel branches of the arm with different methods of current supply were obtained and analyzed, the influence of the topology of the arm power buses on the circuit parameters was studied. A method of current supply to the arm of the rectifier-inverter converter was developed, providing a spread of currents along the branches of no more than 5%. Practical significance: the results can be used in the construction of rectifier-inverter converter based on IGBT for the “Ermak” series electric locomotives, which will increase the throughput and carrying capacity of the traction sections of the Eastern Polygon.