Medium frequency topology in railway applications

Abstract

The proposed Medium Frequency Topology is replacing the bulky main line transformer on board of railway vehicles. Especially in countries with 15 kV railway power supply, the low frequency of 16.7 Hz is leading to huge and heavy transformers. Today's Transformers are often minimized in weight and volume, which leads to significantly high transformer losses compared with distribution transformers. The Medium Frequency Topology is the power electronic solution that considerably reduces weight and losses of the traction system.