Mitsubishi to launch next-gen traction inverters for railcars

Mitsubishi will launch a next-generation traction inverter system incorporating large-capacity silicon carbide (SiC) power modules to develop compact, energy-efficient and quiet railcar systems.

Railcar systems fitted with the traction inverter are expected to save 30% energy, require less maintenance and emit less noise than conventional silicon power modules.

The new inverter system increases the performance of regenerative brakes and achieves 40% less power loss in the motor by incorporating two 1,700V and 1,200A SiC chips.

The new inverter emits up to 6dB less noise compared with conventional models, and the size and weight of the inverter is reduced by 40% each.

Tokyo Metro railcars will be commercially equipped with the new inverters following a series of ongoing field tests that start in January 2012.