IGBT based propulsion improving vehicle reliability and availability

Abstract

In developing the next generation of electrical traction equipment for the mass transit industry, GEC Alsthom had the following objectives in mind: increase system reliability; reduce equipment size and weight; increase vehicle availability; maintain existing performance; and reduce both initial purchase price and overall life cycle cost. The review of these objectives was necessary due to the continual advancements being made in the design and manufacture of microelectronics, improvements in the performance of power semiconductors, and a desire of GEC Alsthom to continually reduce the costs related to the maintenance of propulsion equipment. The results of exhaustive research and development has been the birth of a new generation of traction equipment known as ONIX.