Bombardier launches new generation of MITRAC propulsion, controls and energy management solutions
At the UITP summit in Stockholm on June 11, Bombardier Transportation introduced its new generation of BOMBARDIER MITRAC solutions, redesigned to minimize lifecycle costs, reducing both operational and investment expenses, lessen damaging environmental impact and increase overall energy efficiency. The new technologies have also already been proven on tracks. For example, the MITRAC Pulse traction battery was demonstrated in the new BOMBARDIER TALENT 3 battery train, and the MITRAC Power 1500 traction converter prototype with silicon carbide semiconductors (SiC) was demonstrated in a BOMBARDIER MOVIA C20 metro vehicle in Stockholm in 2018.
Bart Vantorre, Head of COO Equipment at Bombardier Transportation said, “We are very proud that the extensive redesign of our MITRAC portfolio is delivering such impressive benefits to our customers, including 35% higher reliability. Our Bombardier engineers evaluated each MITRAC component in terms of reliability, availability, energy efficiency and maintainability, based on our experience and feedback from our customers and suppliers. The result is a fully renewed portfolio which provides outstanding performance and higher customer value.”
The new BOMBARDIER MITRAC portfolio consists of three segments: MITRAC Power, MITRAC Pulse and MITRAC Control.
The MITRAC Power portfolio encompasses the entire propulsion system and high voltage equipment, including future-proof air-cooled and water-cooled traction converters. As an example, the benefits of the MITRAC Power 1500 traction converter’s new SiC technology were demonstrated in a prototype in Stockholm last year. The converter achieves energy reductions of up to 35%, 19 dB lower noise emissions, 35% higher reliability and 25% lower lifecycle costs. Worldwide, more than 60,000 MITRAC Power converters and more than 100,000 MITRAC Power drives are in operation.
The MITRAC Pulse portfolio covers all energy management solutions, including on-board energy storage products, such as lithium-ion traction batteries and super capacitors. Bombardier’s onboard energy management systems offer solutions for increased energy efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions and reduced noise. The MITRAC Pulse traction battery is used in Bombardier’s award-winning TALENT 3 battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) for catenary-free operations. According to an independent comparative study by Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) and Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), the battery train is the most cost-effective and CO2-free alternative to diesel trains in terms of total cost of ownership over the train’s entire 30-year service life.
The MITRAC Control portfolio includes our proven Train Control and Management System (TCMS). It coordinates the flow of information on the rail vehicles and between the train and wayside systems. With the standardized open interfaces and an integrated fleet management system, MITRAC Control reduces operational and maintenance costs significantly. MITRAC Control solutions have been around for over 20 years and are continuously updated. Recent upgrades for computer performance include the introduction of Gigabit Ethernet for rail applications (IEC61375, Ethernet Train Bus (ETB) and Train Real-Time Data Protocol (TRDP). On Singapore Downtown Line’s rail network, MITRAC Control TCMS software was installed and is improving the travel experience and maximizing operational efficiency by monitoring vehicle passenger load. MITRAC Control solutions are installed in over 25,000 cars worldwide.
Bombardier Transportation is a global leader in delivering rail equipment and components. For over 120 years, the company has been continuously delivering solutions to customers that are built upon long-standing experience and ensure strong fleet performance. MITRAC solutions are installed in rail vehicles all around the world and the upgraded portfolio will ensure significant benefits for both customers and the environment.
