Abstract: An apparatus for converting an electrical current in a high-voltage energy distribution and transmission system has one or more current converter valves with a series circuit of a plurality of power semiconductor units. A cooler cools the power semiconductor units. Temperature deviations of the power semiconductor units can be decreased in a cost-effective manner in that the cooler is provided with a control unit that provides cooling in dependence on a current flow via the power semiconductor units.

Abstract: A device for the transmission of electrical energy includes at least one current converter. Each current converter has phase elements with respective arrangements of circuit elements that comprise at least two switchable power semiconductors each and at least two free-wheeling diodes, each connected in parallel thereto, and energy storing means. The transfer properties in or between power distribution networks are improved with the novel device. The device is provided with means for controlling the current converter in such a manner that the zero crossing, the amplitude and/or the instantaneous values of an alternating current of a transfer network that can be connected to the device and/or the direct current of a direct current line that connects at least one current converter to a direct current source, and/or the direct voltage and the direct current of at least three interconnected current converters can be controlled.

Abstract: An electronic module has at least one first and one second connecting terminal and power semiconductors which are connected by way of connecting conductors, diodes which are each connected in parallel with the power semiconductors and at least one capacitor, likewise connected to the power semiconductors by connecting conductors, which is used, in the event of a fault, to ensure a high degree of availability and operational reliability of a converter; the connecting conductors of the novel device have at least two sections which run parallel to one another and at least one of which can be deformed. The sections are used to guide the current flowing in the electronic module in the opposite direction and are dimensioned such that, when a threshold current is exceeded, they form a conductive connection between the connecting terminals and bridge the power semiconductors and each capacitor.

Abstract: A thyristor has a radiation-sensitive breakdown structure (20), a gate electrode (92) that is placed at a distance from the latter in a lateral direction and an ignition stage structure having at least one ignition stage (51, 91) equipped with an n-doped auxiliary emitter (51), which forms a pn-junction (55) together with the p-doped base (6), the thyristor being both electrically and radiation-ignited. In a method for contacting a thyristor that can be ignited by radiation with a gate electrode (92), a contact ram (200) that is adapted to the geometry of the gate electrode (92) is pressed against the thyristor. In a method for monitoring the ignition of a thyristor that is ignited by incident radiation, the electric voltage that is applied to the gate electrode (92) or the electrically conductive electrode (105, 201) is monitored.