FEA Based Traction Converter Thermal Design Method for Railway Application Using Mission Profile Definition

This paper proposes a method of railway traction converter optimization process using train mission profile for calculations of required power and finite element analysis (FEA) for temperature determination of converter components. Loss power, efficiency of converter, junction temperature of power modules are obtained in train acceleration, free run, braking and standstill phases separately, as well as for the complete mission profile cycle. FEA is used in precise temperature determination process for power modules, heatsinks and coolant. After thermal load and operating condition full investigation there is a possibility to use digital twin of traction converter to optimize arrangement of temperature sensors and power modules, use simulation data to schedule maintenance or investigate potential malfunction causes.