The Energy Efficiency of the Semiconductor Converters of Engines or Locomotives

Abstract—The calculated power characteristics of the traction drive of the 2ES5K electric locomotive have been considered in the middle of a feeder zone of the overhead contact system. The traction drive with the developed converter of input electric resistance demonstrates advantages over the entire range of control, especially in the initial low-power region. The voltage waveform distortion factor for a current collector of the locomotive with a reversible converter is about 10.87%; if an electric semiconductor variator is used, this factor is 7.5% in the same mode of engine handling. It has been shown that control over the power of a locomotive by means of changing the electric resistance during the transfer and consumption of electricity from the overhead contact system leads to an increase in the energy efficiency and electromagnetic compatibility with power-supply systems without using additional equipment.