The diaognostics of traction substations power rectifiers converters

Various converters are operated at electric railways traction substations whose rectifiers design includes plug-in power rectifiers and pill ones. Such a variety of rectifiers design causes the problem of the power supply reliable operation unavailability both of volumes and of quality information concerning the characteristics and diagnostic parameters of power semiconductors rectifiers. For a possible prediction of the diodes and thyristors proper operation, new instruments as well as simple technologies of the preventive diagnostics, correspondent to the state and industry standards and instructions should be developed. One of the most accurate methods to determine not only the serviceability of rectifiers but also to forecast their wear - life, is the diagnostic method of recurrent peak backward current. This method is the basis for the design of a peak backward current meter which is used on the Western-Siberian railway. Using this device the screening of about thirty thousand rectifiers was carried out which resulted in the sorting of out-of-work rectifiers, predicting long term rectifiers conditions. The statistical analysis of the research allowed to determine the number of measures to improve the reliability of traction substations converters.