Converters based on IGCTs in light traction drives

So far, the integrated gate-commutated thyristor (IGCT) has always been considered as a device suitable for converters controlling the power of the order of megawatts or higher. This paper shows how the advantages of the device can be used in a DC chopper and in an inverter designed to feed the traction motors of a trolleybus. This is a world's new application of the IGCT in a converter with the power of the order of one hundred kilowatts. The paper presents results of laboratory tests as well as experience with the prototype of the trolleybus. The measured thermal and EMI noise characteristics are presented.