| Abstract |
Converters used in railway applications require heavy and bulky equipment (filters, low frequency
transformers, etc). FAIVELEY Transport has just filed a patent application for a new converter
topology called Serial and Parallel Auto Regulated Configuration (SPARC). Compared to other
converters available, SPARC reduces mass and volume. The unique feature of the SPARC technology
is that it relies on a dynamic association of high-frequency transformers either using series or parallel
mode or both. When the input voltage varies, the control connects the transformers in series and
parallel according to the chopper frequency using semiconductor switches. These commutations are
sequenced over time, so that only one part of the power is commuted at any one time. Consequently,
input and output filters are significantly reduced. LMP university staff is carrying out a study of this
topology with both teams sharing the work on simulations and prototypes. |
