High power AC/DC converter and DC/AC inverter for high speed train applications

New developments in the design of high-speed electric trains are discussed, with particular reference to the induction motor drive system. A new high power three level converter-inverter system applying advanced insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) is described. Advanced control techniques lead to a unity power factor seen by the AC supply as well as minimising the line harmonics, power loss, motor torque ripple, and audible noise. By using advanced AC inverter drive systems the high speed train offers high level performance, efficiency, and passenger comfort. The described system is implemented in the latest “Bullet” or Shinkansen train sets operating in eastern Japan between Tokyo and Nagano