PowerTech converters for rail test rigs

Outfitting of a newly installed test bench for the Deutsche Bahn together with Fest AG

For the railway test bench, PowerTech delivered four modular, air-cooled frequency converters with intermediate voltage link and active front end (AFE), each with 120kW. These form part of the four multi-voltage test systems providing different AC and DC supply voltages for external power supply to various types of trains.

This involves setting the desired voltage and frequency for testing the train in either a 3-phase or 1-phase operation. The test bench can therefore be used to conduct tests and maintenance on the trains using the fitted components. Each track can be powered differently, depending on the type of vehicle.

This rail vehicle test bench is used by DB’s railway maintenance works to maintain and test passenger carriages as well as a medium-voltage test bench for testing complete carriages, including HVAC, lighting, auxiliary power converters, wiring etc.

Multi-voltage test systems providing AC/DC supply voltages for external power supply to various train types in corrective maintenance.

Outfitting of a newly installed test bench for the Deutsche Bahn together with Goth Elektrotechnik GmbH

PowerTech delivered a total of eight DC infeeds of 250 kW each for this rail test bench for Deutsche Bahn. The 670 Vdc feeds are used in the ICE maintenance works so that the various ICE series can be maintained without overhead lines as well as for specific preventive maintenance purposes.

Using the external power supply, the various sections of the trains are successively energised so that the auxiliary converters and all connected aggregates can be tested under supervision. This makes it possible to perform relevant performance tests and identify possible faults.

The external power supply provides DB staff with an extremely versatile means of carrying out the test procedures using different voltage levels in DC and AC and adapting them as necessary.

Delivery of a converter for testing traction unit components to Vossloh-Kiepe together with VEM Transresch GmbH

This project involved developing and constructing a railway test facility for the transport technology group Vossloh AG. PowerTech was selected as supplier for the corresponding converter system.

The new railway test facility is used to test traction vehicle components such as the railway transformer, the traction converter and the traction motors for various nominal catenary voltages.

For this purpose, PowerTech delivered a modular, air-cooled frequency converter with intermediate voltage link and pulsed line converter.

The structure in detail:

• IGBT line converter 3 AC 690 V/1,250 A as an active front end

• Infeed cabinet with circuit breaker and mains filter

• DC link with additional capacitors

• Transformer converter for AC test voltage (2-phase, AC 690 V/2,400 A)

• Two motor converters for the load machines (2 x 3 AC 690 V/1,150 A)

• Reinforced filter to relieve the network from network fluctuations

• Control cabinet for auxiliary and control voltages for AC converters

• Various internal control and safety functions

• Profibus DP communication

VEM load motors for railway system test bench

PowerTech internal test pit with the test set-up of the converter to be supplied and VEM load motor for the track test bench