Mitsubishi has begun testing its new energy-saving traction converter/inverter systems on JR Central’s N700 Shinkansen bullet train.
The new traction systems, which have all-silicon carbide (SiC) power modules, are significantly smaller and lighter than existing systems.
The technology has already been trialled on Odakyu Electric Railway’s 1000 series trains. Initial results showed a 17 per cent power saving and a 34.1 per cent increase in the vehicle’s energy saving capability.
Mitsubishi Electric believes it is the first time a 3.3kV, 1500A traction system has been installed on a high-speed route.
