GLOBAL RAIL AUXILIARY CONVERTER MARKET
SUMMARY
- In Europe,a large chunk of rail auxiliary converter orders are due to expansion of existing networks or replacement of earlier rolling stock.
- The outlook for Europe in 2020-2025 is strong and positive. Many orders are expected for high speed trains in U.K. Switzerland, Netherlands . LRV order are expected in Germany, France and the U.K., especially for commuter and regional trains as well as for metros and light rail vehicles (LRV).
- Rail transit is not as big in North America as Europe or China. US has just over 1,500km network of light rail transit whereas Canada has just over 200km network length.
- The freight rail market in North America is 3X bigger than passenger transit because of the sheer length and breadth of the two countries.
- Metro segment is among the fastest growing rolling stock segment in China. China alone accounted for 60% of global metro rail infrastructure growth in 2018.
INTRODUCTION
An electrical device known as a Rail Auxiliary Converter (RAC) is used in railway locomotives to transform high voltage direct current (DC) power from the vehicle’s main traction power supply into lower voltage AC and DC power that is suitable for powering a variety of auxiliary devices on the vehicle.
Lighting, heating, cooling, and other electronic equipment that run on low voltage AC and DC power are included in this equipment. The RAC helps to minimise power losses, increase overall energy efficiency in the locomotive, and guarantee that these auxiliary systems function dependably and effectively.
To supply steady and dependable power to the locomotive’s auxiliary systems, RACs often make use of complex power electronics and control systems. Additionally, they are made to function in challenging environmental conditions like severe vibration, dramatic temperature changes, and electrical noise.
In general, the Rail Auxiliary Converter is a crucial part of contemporary railway locomotives because it ensures the reliable, safe, and effective operation of these powerful machines.
RECENT ROLLING STOCK ORDERS
Sep 2022– The firm in a partnership with Singapore-based ST Engineering and Siemens Mobility won the bid to construct and run the Kaohsiung Metro Yellow Line on the Taiwanese island. Siemens Mobility will provide the CBTC radio traffic control system, Stadler will deliver 25 3-car trains with the GoA4 degree of automation, and ST Engineering will be in charge of the project’s design, construction, and general management.
Dec 2019– CRRC started testing Chicago Series 7000 metro cars. CRRC won the order to supply upto 846 metro vehicles in 2016 and will be assembling it in the Hegewisch district.
November 2019 –Southern California’s San Bernardino County Transportation Authority awarded Stadler a contract to supply a Flirt H2 hydrogen fuel cell powered multiple-unit to enter passenger service in 2024, with an option for four more units.
September 2019- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority awarded Hyundai Rotem a $278·5 Million sole-source contract to supply 80 double-deck coaches. The new coaches will replace single deck vehicles to increase capacity on the Boston commuter rail network by more than 14 000 seats/day.
September 2019– Ontario transport authority Metrolinx ordered 36 more double-deck coaches from Bombardier Transportation to bolster GO Transit services in the Toronto area
May 2019– Southern California Regional Rail Authority awarded a joint venture of Talgo and Systra a contract worth $138 Million for the refurbishment of up to 121 Bombardier Bi-level coaches used on Metrolink commuter services
April 2019- The City of Ottawa and TransitNEXT consortium leader SNC Lavalin declared Stadler the winner of a contract to supply seven four-car Flirt diesel-electric multiple-units
RECENT PARTNERSHIPS
The PowerTech Converter (PTC) business, a top provider of auxiliary power converter solutions for light rail cars and metros, will be acquired by ABB, according to a recent announcement. The purchase is a crucial component of ABB Motion’s external growth plan.PTC, a company owned by RCP, is based in Berlin, Germany, with additional locations in Holzkirchen, Germany, and Mount Olive, USA.
ABB will strengthen its position in the rail market through the acquisition and will be better positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities brought on by the growing demand from the business community for environmentally friendly transportation options.
With the help of PTC’s cutting-edge portfolio, which includes PowerBriX and its silicon carbide (SiC) technology, Traction division will be able to provide customers one of the broadest selections of auxiliary power converters available on the market. Customers will also have access to new technologies as a result of ABB and PTC’s joint efforts to innovate and create more energy-efficient solutions.
Any rail car must have auxiliary converters because they provide the energy required for critical systems that enhance passenger comfort, including the HVAC system, lights, safety equipment, doors, and battery charging.
COMPANY PROFILES
- SMA Railway Technology GmbH
- KONČAR Electronics and Informatics Inc.
- ABSOPULSE Electronics
- PCS Power Converter Solutions
- APS Electronic
- AUTRONIC
- Grau Elektronik
- IntreXis
- Knorr-Bremse
- PolyAmp
