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Advanced traction converters provide smart integration
GD Rectifiers talks exclusively to CIE magazine and highlights the smart integration features and benefits of traction converters T
raction converters are essential components in electric trains, responsible for converting electrical energy from the overhead line or third rail into the appropriate form required by the train’s traction motors. This conversion process ensures that trains operate smoothly and efficiently under varying conditions. Typically traction converters are designed with advanced technologies that enable seamless integration with modern rail systems, providing a wide range of benefits.
Traction converters are designed to optimise the conversion of electrical energy from power source (such as batteries or overhead lines) to mechancial energy, reducing energy losses and improving overall efficiency. Traction converters also enable regenerative braking which recovers kinetic energy during braking and converts it back to electrical energy, extending the range of electric vehicles and reducing the energy consumption.
Improved performance
Traction converters provide precise control over motor torque, ensuring smooth acceleration and deceleration, enhancing ride comfort and reducing mechancial stress on the drivetrain.
Traction converters can work with various power sources, including batteries, supercapacitors and overhead electric lines,
high-demand periods. Traction converters can provide ancillary services to the grid, such as voltage regulation, frequency control and reactive power support.
Traction converters deliver high starting torque, which is especially beneficial for heavy vehicles like trains and trams, ensuring reliable and efficient starts even on inclines.
Advanced traction converters include features for fault detection, isolation and protection, enhancing the safety and reliability of the propulsion system. By providing smooth and controlled power delivery, traction converters reduce wear and tear on mechanical components, leading to longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.
making them suitable for a wide range of applications. They can be scaled to fit different vehicle sizes and power requirements, from small electric cars to large freight trains.
By improving the efficiency of electric and hybrid vehicles, traction converters help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to cleaner transportation solutions. They contribute to a quieter operation of electric and hybrid vehicles compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Increased energy efficiency and regenerative braking capabilities result in lower operational costs due to reduced energy consumption. The reduction in mechanical wear and tear translates to lower maintenance and repair costs over the vehicle’s lifetime.
As railway systems increasingly integrate with smart grid technologies, the ability of traction converters to interface with these systems becomes crucial. Traction converters can respond dynamically to grid conditions, adjusting their power consumption or regeneration based on real-time signals from the smart grid. This helps balance supply and demand, reducing the strain on the grid during peak times. By integrating with smart grids, traction converters can effectively utilise on- board energy storage systems like batteries or supercapacitors to store excess energy during low-demand periods and release it during
52 July/August 2024 Components in Electronics
Advanced communication protocols: Implementing robust and secure communication protocols to enable real-time data exchange between traction converters and smart grid system.
Smart charging infrastructure: Developing and deploying smart charging stations that can interact with traction converters and the smart grid to manage energy flow efficiently.
Energy management systems (EMS): Utilising sophisticated EMS to analyse data, predict energy needs, and optimise the interaction between vehicles and the grid.
Regulatory support: Establishing regulations and standards to support the integration of traction converters with smart grid technologies, including V2G capabilities and grid support services. GD Rectifiers partners with KONCAR, a leading Croatian manufacturer of traction converters, successfully deployed in various rail projects worldwide, such as modern electric multiple units (EMUs) and locomotives operating across Europe and beyond. These implementations have resulted in improved performance, reduced energy consumption, and lower maintenance costs for rail operators. KONCAR’s traction converters represent a significant advancement in the field of rail transport. Offering smart integration features that enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability through advanced control systems, enhanced diagnostics, energy efficiency, regenerative braking integration, and compatibility with smart grid technologies. As rail systems continue to evolve, the smart integration capabilities of KONCAR’s traction converters will play an important role in shaping the future of rail transport.
www.gdrectifiers.co.uk www.cieonline.co.uk.uk
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