SEMICONDUCTOR PROTECTIVE ELEMENTS FOR CONTROLLING SHORT-CIRCUITS AT THE DC END OF VOLTAGE SOURCE CONVERTERS

摘要

A device for converting an electric current includes at least one phase module having an AC terminal and at least one DC terminal. Phase module branches, each of which is equipped with serially connected submodules, are respectively provided between each DC terminal and each AC terminal. Each submodule is provided with at least one power semiconductor. Semiconductor protecting means are connected in parallel or in series to at least one of the power semiconductors to enable the device to withstand even high short-circuit currents for a sufficient period of time. A method for protecting the power semiconductors of the device, is also provided.