Increasing the Reliability of Reversible Converters of AC Electric Locomotives

The aim of the work is to increase the operability of AC electric locomotives during emergency operation of reversible converters. The article talks about the benefits of electrifying railways with alternating current compared to direct current. The main historical stages of the development of electric locomotive converters are considered. The role of the reversible converter in the operation of AC electric locomotives is indicated. In this connection, the question of diagnosing and improving the efficiency of the reversible converter is raised. For analysis, a VIP-4000M reversible converter installed on an electric locomotive VL80R was taken. A typical method for controlling the branches of the converter in various control zones is described. As a result, the principle of controlling the branches of the converter in the event of an emergency mode is proposed. An example of the application of the principle in the construction of the converter control algorithm in emergency mode is given. Conclusions are drawn about the possibility of applying the principle to maintain the process of regulating voltage and rectifying current in emergency mode in order to increase the efficiency of an electric locomotive.