Author(s)

A. Bartolomei, C. Carnevali, R. Genova, A. Sasso, M. Mazzucchelli & M. Portesine

Abstract

Interoperable vehicles \“tram-train”: possibility of using Press-Pack IGBT for traction converters A. Bartolomei1, C. Carnevali2, R. Genova2, A. Sasso2, M. Mazzucchelli2 & M. Portesine1 1POSEICO S.p.A., Genoa, Italy 2Inter-University Centre of Transport Research, Genoa, Italy Abstract In answer to the increased mobility demand in urban areas, a new transport system, known as \“tram-train”, has been gaining ground in 90’s in Europe. It is based on the use of conventional railway lines with low traffic density, as an extension of urban tramway, and allows to be inserted urban vehicles in railway traffic without the necessity of changing vehicle. This concept presupposes the solution of several technical problems, further the hard reliability criteria of railway systems impose to use very efficient devices, with regard to power semiconductor components. This paper examines carefully the effects of thermal cycling stress on IGBT modules, in a realistic operational environment. The FEM (Finite Elem

Keywords