IEC 62590-2-1:2025

Overview

IEC 62590-2-1:2025 - Railway applications - Electronic power converters for fixed installations - Part 2-1: DC traction applications - Uncontrolled rectifiers specifies functions, working principles, requirements, interfaces and test methods for uncontrolled rectifiers used in DC traction power supply systems. Uncontrolled rectifiers connect a 3‑phase AC power network to a DC traction system using diode assemblies with unidirectional power flow. The document covers coordination between the rectifier and the converter transformer and addresses energy efficiency and an interface model for connected systems. This first edition replaces IEC 62589 (2010) and the earlier IEC 62590 (2019) editions.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and system types: Applies to fixed installations for railway networks, metros, tramways, trolleybuses, automated transport, magnetic levitation and electric road systems.
• Functional principles: Describes diode‑based uncontrolled rectifier topology, unidirectional power flow and external voltage/current characteristics.
• Transformer‑rectifier coordination: Defines transformer main values, coupling factors and impedance/reactance relationships for stable operation.
• Interfaces and modeling: Introduces an interface model for interaction between the 3AC network, transformer and DC traction system to support interoperability and system integration.
• Energy efficiency: New requirements and tests to assess losses and power factor behaviour in traction rectifiers.
• Testing and verification: Specifies tests including visual inspection, insulation, protective functions, light‑ and full‑load tests, temperature‑rise, short‑time withstand current, power loss determination, harmonic and power factor measurements, audible sound and mechanical tests.
• Design and documentation: Defines required manufacturer data, user specification items, marking and rating plate information.
• Harmonics and power quality: Addresses DC harmonic content, 3AC harmonic currents and provides informative annexes with methods to determine voltage drop, short‑circuit currents and power factor examples.

Applications

• Use this standard for design, procurement, factory acceptance and commissioning of uncontrolled rectifiers in DC traction substations.
• Support compatibility studies when integrating rectifiers with traction converters, transformers and the public or dedicated 3‑phase supply.
• Inform energy efficiency assessments, loss budgeting and power quality mitigation in rail power systems.
• Provide test protocols for manufacturers, test laboratories and acceptance teams.

Who should use this standard

• Railway electrification engineers and system designers
• OEMs of rectifier assemblies, converter transformers and diode modules
• System integrators and installation contractors
• Procurement and specification writers for traction power equipment
• Test laboratories, certification bodies and maintenance planners

Related standards

• Other parts of the IEC 62590 series (electronic power converters for fixed installations)
• IEC 62589 (replaced by this edition) - historical reference

Keywords: IEC 62590-2-1:2025, uncontrolled rectifiers, DC traction, railway applications, rectifier transformer, diode assemblies, energy efficiency, traction power supply, test methods, harmonics.