IEC 62590:2019

Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electronic power converters for substations

IEC 62590:2019 is available as IEC 62590:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 62590:2019 specifies the requirements for the performance of all fixed installations electronic power converters, using controllable and/or non-controllable electronic valves, intended for traction power supply. The devices can be controlled by means of current, voltage or light. Non-bistable devices are assumed to be operated in the switched mode.
This document applies to fixed installations of the following electric traction systems:
- railways,
- guided mass transport systems such as: tramways, light rail systems, elevated and underground railways, mountain railways, trolleybuses.
This standard is based on EN 50328. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2010. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Incorporation of DC converters.
b) Correction of the clearances and withstand voltages due to erroneous use of PD in former edition.
c) adaption of structure, adaption of vocabulary, removal of unused term and abbreviations.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Aug-2019
• ICS: 01 - GENERALITIES. TERMINOLOGY. STANDARDIZATION. DOCUMENTATION
• ICS: 45.060.01 - Railway rolling stock in general
• Technical Committee: TC 9 - Electrical equipment and systems for railways
• Drafting Committee: WG 50 - TC 9/WG 50
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 12-Jul-2019
• Completion Date: 23-Aug-2019

Relations

• Revises: IEC 62590:2010 - Railway applications - Fixed installations - Electronic power converters for substations
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62590 ®
Edition 2.0 2019-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Railway applications – Fixed installations – Electronic power converters for
substations
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Central Office Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé [e-mail]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical containing more than 22 000 terminological entries in English
committee,…). It also gives information on projects, replaced and French, with equivalent terms in 16 additional languages.
and withdrawn publications. Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary

(IEV) online.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published IEC Glossary - std.iec.ch/glossary
details all new publications released. Available online and 67 000 electrotechnical terminology entries in English and
once a month by email. French extracted from the Terms and Definitions clause of
IEC publications issued since 2002. Some entries have been
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc collected from earlier publications of IEC TC 37, 77, 86 and
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or CISPR.

need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service

Centre: [e-mail].
IEC 62590 ®
Edition 2.0 2019-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Railway applications – Fixed installations – Electronic power converters for

substations
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 45.060.01 ISBN 978-2-8322-7066-0

– 2 – IEC 62590:2019  IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
3.1 Semiconductor devices and combinations . 9
3.2 Arms and connections . 10
3.3 Controllability of converter arms . 11
3.4 Commutation, quenching and commutation circuitry . 11
3.5 Commutation characteristics . 12
3.6 Rated values . 15
3.7 Load capabilities . 16
3.8 Specific voltages, currents and factors . 17
3.9 Definitions related to virtual junction temperature . 18
3.10 Cooling . 18
3.11 Electromagnetic compatibility and harmonic distortion . 19
4 Symbols . 19
5 Operation of semiconductor power equipment and valve devices . 21
5.1 Classification of traction supply power converters and valves . 21
5.1.1 Types of traction supply power converters . 21
5.1.2 Purpose of conversion . 21
5.1.3 Classification of semiconductor valve devices . 21
5.2 Basic calculation factors for line commutated converters . 22
5.2.1 Voltage . 22
5.2.2 Voltage characteristics and transition current . 22
6 Service conditions . 23
6.1 Code of identification of cooling method . 23
6.1.1 Letter symbols to be used . 23
6.1.2 Arrangement of letter symbols . 24
6.2 Environmental conditions . 24
6.2.1 Ambient air circulation . 24
6.2.2 Normal service conditions . 25
6.2.3 Special service conditions . 26
6.3 Electrical service conditions . 26
6.3.1 General . 26
6.3.2 Limiting values as basis of rating . 26
6.3.3 DC traction supply voltage . 28
7 Converter equipment and assemblies . 28
7.1 Losses and efficiency . 28
7.1.1 General . 28
7.1.2 Included losses . 28
7.2 Power factor . 28
7.3 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 29
7.4 Rated values for converters . 29
7.4.1 General . 29

7.4.2 Current values . 29
7.4.3 Capability for unsymmetrical load of a 12-pulse converter in parallel
connection . 31
7.4.4 Semiconductor device failure conditions . 32
7.5 Mechanical characteristics . 32
7.5.1 General . 32
7.5.2 Earthing . 32
7.5.3 Degree of protection . 33
7.6 Insulation coordination . 33
7.7 Specifics of line commutated rectifiers . 33
7.7.1 Electrical connections . 33
7.7.2 Calculation factors . 35
7.7.3 Direct voltage harmonic content . 35
8 Tests . 35
8.1 General . 35
8.1.1 Overview . 35
8.1.2 Performance of tests . 36
8.1.3 Test schedule . 36
8.2 Test specifications . 36
8.2.1 Insulation tests . 36
8.2.2 Light load functional test . 38
8.2.3 Load test . 38
8.2.4 Power loss determination . 39
8.2.5 Temperature-rise test . 39
8.2.6 Checking of auxiliary devices . 40
8.2.7 Checking of the properties of the control equipment . 40
8.2.8 Checking of the protective devices . 41
8.2.9 Short-time withstand current test . 41
8.2.10 EMC test . 41
8.2.11 Additional tests . 41
9 Marking . 41
9.1 Rating plate . 41
9.2 Main circuit terminals . 42
Annex A (informative) Information required . 43
A.1 General . 43
A.2 Diode rectifiers . 43
A.2.1 Procurement specification . 43
A.2.2 Supplier's tender specification . 44
A.2.3 Information and data to be given by the supplier during the delivery
stage . 44
A.3 Controlled converters and inverters. 45
A.3.1 Procurement specification . 45
A.3.2 Supplier's tender specification . 46
A.4 Frequency converters (direct and DC link converters) . 46
A.4.1 Procurement specification . 46
A.4.2 Supplier's tender specification . 47
A.5 DC converters . 48
A.5.1 Procurement specification . 48
A.5.2 Supplier’s tender specification . 49

– 4 – IEC 62590:2019  IEC 2019
Annex B (informative) Determination of the current capability through calculation of
the virtual junction temperature . 51
B.1 General . 51
...

IEC 62590 ®
Edition 2.0 2019-08
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Railway applications – Fixed installations – Electronic power converters for
substations
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Central Office Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé [e-mail]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical containing more than 22 000 terminological entries in English
committee,…). It also gives information on projects, replaced and French, with equivalent terms in 16 additional languages.
and withdrawn publications. Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary

(IEV) online.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published IEC Glossary - std.iec.ch/glossary
details all new publications released. Available online and 67 000 electrotechnical terminology entries in English and
once a month by email. French extracted from the Terms and Definitions clause of
IEC publications issued since 2002. Some entries have been
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc collected from earlier publications of IEC TC 37, 77, 86 and
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or CISPR.

need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service

Centre: [e-mail].
IEC 62590 ®
Edition 2.0 2019-08
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Railway applications – Fixed installations – Electronic power converters for

substations
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 45.060.01 ISBN 978-2-8322-7357-9

– 2 – IEC 62590:2019 RLV  IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
3.1 Semiconductor devices and combinations . 10
3.2 Arms and connections . 10
3.3 Controllability of converter arms and quadrants of operation . 12
3.4 Commutation, quenching and commutation circuitry . 12
3.5 Commutation characteristics . 13
3.6 Rated values . 17
3.7 Load capabilities . 18
3.8 Specific voltages, currents and factors . 19
3.9 Definitions related to virtual junction temperature . 21
3.10 Cooling . 21
3.11 Electromagnetic compatibility and harmonic distortion . 22
4 Symbols . 22
5 Operation of semiconductor power equipment and valve devices . 23
5.1 Classification of traction supply power converters and valves . 23
5.1.1 Types of traction supply power converters . 23
5.1.2 Purpose of conversion . 24
5.1.3 Classification of semiconductor valve devices . 24
5.2 Basic calculation factors for line commutated converters . 25
5.2.1 Voltage . 25
5.2.2 Voltage characteristics and transition current . 25
6 Service conditions . 26
6.1 Code of identification of cooling method . 26
6.1.1 Letter symbols to be used . 26
6.1.2 Arrangement of letter symbols . 27
6.2 Environmental conditions . 27
6.2.1 Ambient air circulation . 27
6.2.2 Normal service conditions . 28
6.2.3 Special service conditions . 29
6.3 Electrical service conditions . 29
6.3.1 General . 29
6.3.2 Limiting values as basis of rating . 29
6.3.3 DC traction supply voltage . 31
7 Converter equipment and assemblies . 31
7.1 Losses and efficiency . 31
7.1.1 General . 31
7.1.2 Included losses . 31
7.2 Power factor . 31
Direct voltage harmonic content .
7.3 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 32
7.4 Rated values for converters . 32

7.4.1 General . 32
7.4.2 Current values . 33
7.4.3 Capability for unsymmetrical load of a 12-pulse converter in parallel
connection . 35
7.4.4 Semiconductor device failure conditions . 35
7.5 Mechanical characteristics . 35
7.5.1 General . 35
7.5.2 Earthing . 36
7.5.3 Degree of protection . 36
7.6 Insulation coordination . 36
7.7 Specifics of line commutated rectifiers . 37
7.7.1 Electrical connections . 37
7.7.2 Calculation factors . 38
7.7.3 Direct voltage harmonic content . 39
8 Tests . 39
8.1 General . 39
8.1.1 Overview . 39
8.1.2 Performance of tests . 39
8.1.3 Test schedule . 40
8.2 Test specifications . 40
8.2.1 Insulation tests . 40
8.2.2 Light load functional test . 43
8.2.3 Load test . 43
8.2.4 Power loss determination . 43
8.2.5 Temperature-rise test . 43
8.2.6 Checking of auxiliary devices . 45
8.2.7 Checking of the properties of the control equipment . 45
8.2.8 Checking of the protective devices . 45
8.2.9 Short-time withstand current test . 45
8.2.10 EMC test . 46
8.2.11 Additional tests . 46
9 Marking . 46
9.1 Rating plate . 46
9.2 Main circuit terminals . 47
Annex A (informative) Information required . 48
A.1 General . 48
A.2 Diode rectifiers . 48
A.2.1 Procurement specification . 48
A.2.2 Supplier's tender specification . 49
A.2.3 Information and data to be given by the supplier during the delivery
stage . 49
A.3 Controlled converters and inverters. 50
A.3.1 Procurement specification . 50
A.3.2 Supplier's tender specification . 51
A.4 Frequency converters (direct and DC link converters) . 51
A.4.1 Procurement specification . 51
A.4.2 Supplier's tender specification . 52
A.5 DC converters . 53
A.5.1 Procurement specification . 53

– 4 – IEC 62590:2019 RLV  IEC 2019
A.5.2 Supplier’s tender specification . 54
Annex B (informative) Determination of the current capability through calculation of
the virtual junction temperature .
...