Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) started supplying traction converters to the Vande Bharat sleeper train project, an important step in India’s rail upgrade.
It is the first move of BHEL to enter into semi-high-speed rail and enhances the capability of the country in creating sophisticated train propulsion systems.
The BHEL traction converters form the vital component of the electrical system of the train. They convert overhead lines into power that is controlled and passed to the traction motors enabling easy acceleration, increased performance and consistent performance at long distances. The units are placed lower than the coaches hence there are saving of space within the units and better control of heat and overall reliability.
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The initial converters were manufactured at BHEL at Bengaluru and will be dispatched to Kolkata where they will be fitted into the coaches. The systems have adopted the current IGBT technology and are capable of handling a maximum speed of 160 km/h with the design capacity standing at 176 km/h thus suitable to the new sleeper- version trains Vande Bharat.
This supply is in the form of a bigger contract managed by a team led by the BHEL with Titagarh Rail systems Limited. The coaches are being made by Titagarh and BHEL providing significant propulsion and electrical equipment further enhancing its position in the rail electrification solutions.
By its traction converters on Vande Bharat sleeper trains, the company is increasing its footprint in high-value technologies as well as in supporting India in its goal of developing its own, high-speed-rail infrastructure that is both long-haul-capable and overnight.
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