Mitsubishi Electric delivers silicon carbide power modules for Tokyo Metro railcars
Mitsubishi Electric has developed and delivered the auxiliary power supply systems that include the world's first silicon carbide (SiC) power modules for use in trains.
Mitsubishi Electric has developed and delivered the auxiliary power supply systems that include the world’s first silicon carbide (SiC) power modules for use in trains.
The systems will be equipped for testing on the Series 1000 electric multiple-units that are scheduled to enter service on Tokyo Metro’s Ginza Line in June 2013.
Mitsubishi Electric said the new SiC modules, which provide power for the air-conditioning and lighting systems, offer 30% less power loss and are 20% smaller and 15% lighter compared to current silicon modules.
Transformer noise is also expected to be less by 4dB due to a 35% improvement in the distortion rate of output voltage waveforms.
"The systems will be equipped for testing on the Series 1000 electric multiple-units that are scheduled to enter service on Tokyo Metro’s Ginza Line in June 2013."
Mitsubishi Electric said that compared to silicon modules, the silicon carbide (SiC) power modules will also help minimise size and weight through lowered power loss and higher energy efficiency, as well as smaller power module radiators.
The company has developed a variety of SiC power modules, with its first module deployed on 600V/750V Ginza Line Type 01 railcars in February 2012.
SiC inverters developed for 1500V DC power lines were equipped on Tozai Line Type 15000 trainsets in January 2013.
The new SiC auxiliary power supply system includes technologies developed by the company for SiC inverters.
Image: Mitsubishi’s first SiC power modules incorporated in the auxiliary power supply systems will be installed on trains to be run on Tokyo Metro’s Ginza Line in June 2013. Photo: courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.