Mitsubishi Electric Corporation will be the first Japanese company to supply SNCF with prototype traction transformers for the Z2N commuter train operating in Paris and its suburbs and T4 tram trains also operating in the Parisian suburbs. The traction transformers for the Z2N and T4 will be delivered in February and December 2018, respectively. The orders were made possible by Mitsubishi Electric becoming the first Japanese company to be certified by SNCF as a propulsion systems supplier, effective immediately.
SNCF requested Mitsubishi Electric to lower the weight of the Z2N’s traction transformer and to reduce energy consumption and noise while extending the life of the T4’s traction transformer.
The prototype traction transformer for Z2N trains weighs 400kg less than the Z2N’s existing product thanks to its aluminum winding cables, yet its conversion efficiency is the same or better than the currently installed equipment. The interface design is identical with that of the existing equipment, so the refurbishing will not require any modification of the train car.
The prototype traction transformer for T4 includes the world’s first application of a natural running air cooling type traction transformer on the car roof, leading to a noise reduction of around 13dB by omitting the electric cooling fan, and achieving electricity loss savings of 50 percent compared to the previous equipment resulting in significant energy efficiency improvements. Also, fully hermetic constant-pressure bellows seals will eliminate the need to periodically replace the insulator oil, which will remain in a sealed system and will not deteriorate. As a result, overall maintenance costs will be reduced.
Share on:
