ABB New Type Traction Transformer First Applied to New Generation Double-Deck EMU Trains

On July 21, 2011, ABB announced that it has designed and manufactured the world's first traction transformer that can be installed on the top of a locomotive for Bombardier's latest generation of double-deck EMU trains. This train can be used for commuting, regional and intercity rail traffic.

The process of rapid urbanization has brought problems such as traffic congestion, air pollution and population expansion. Railway operators and infrastructure suppliers have to transport more passengers using the now-busy rail transit system. One solution to this prominent contradiction is to increase the carrying capacity of existing transportation lines.

The use of double-decker trains is a good way to improve passenger capacity. This type of train has the best car seat proportion plan, and the acceleration of the train also effectively shortens the transit time between stations and stations, and can expand the coverage of train services.

The existing railroads to achieve more load capacity can make the railway network more efficient. According to the contract, Bombardier will provide 860 Regio 2N** double-deck EMU trains for all regional rail traffic in France. Up to now, France has ordered a total of 129 Bombardier-made OMNEO*Regio 2N trains in six regions. These trains will be delivered from June 2013 to mid-2016.

An ABB traction transformer will be installed on the top of each train. The latest Bombardier double-decker trains feature extra-wide bodywork and better seating plans. The number of seats per meter of body ranges from 5 to 5.8, giving passengers more space. Compared with similar models on the market today, the passenger capacity of the new Bombardier train has increased by 35%.

In the area of ​​traction equipment for regional commuter trains, high-speed trains and railway locomotives, ABB has maintained a long-standing partnership with Bombardier. The traction transformer converts the grid pressure from the grid above the train to the lower voltage required by the train traction system, the drive equipment for the train, and lighting, heating, ventilation systems, onboard LCD displays, information systems and other types of electrical system.

ABB Traction Transformer Solution

Regional and commuter trains wear out different equipment from long-distance high-speed trains. Bombardier EMU trains have higher bodywork, heavier cars, faster acceleration, and more frequent parking on medium and short-distance lines connecting cities and townships, all of which have brought greater operating pressure on the traction transformers of vehicles.

In order to ensure the continuity of railway transportation and the availability and reliability of the highest level of immediate power supply, ABB designed traction transformers specifically for OMNEO trains. Compared to the traction transformer on a single-layer SPACIUM* train provided by Bombardier's Francilien line in Paris, France, the new transformer's power supply capacity has increased by 25%.

In order to save space, this roof-mounted traction system combines the cooling systems of the converter and the transformer. This design reduces the number of fans, while reducing costs and equipment weight. In addition, in order to save space, facilitate maintenance and control of the equipment, the transformer will be directly installed on the top passage of the vehicle.

How ABB's traction transformer components fit into the rounded top of the OMNEO model is also a major challenge for ABB. For this purpose, Bombardier and ABB teamed up to complete the design work. Cabin baffles were installed on converters, cooling systems and transformers to ensure that these components fit perfectly into the rounded roof and were difficult to see from the outside after installation. In order to solve the problem of high center of gravity of the double-decker train, the transformer has also been designed to evenly distribute the weight of the equipment.

Through the efforts of all parties, ABB has finally provided Bombardier with a complete set of plug-and-play traction solutions.