Siemens Ltd has won an order worth approximately Rs 83 crore from Indian Railways’ Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), Varanasi, for designing, supply and installation of 40 alternating current (AC) traction systems for dual cab high horsepower diesel engine locomotives.
The AC traction systems will be produced at Siemens’ Nashik factory in Maharashtra. The systems have been developed based on the insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) technology. The principle benefit of IGBTs over gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs) is that it reduces the current required, and therefore the heat generated, giving smaller and lighter units.
“The advent of IGBTs has yielded strong efficiency gains in electric drive technology. The project showcases Siemens’ partnership with the Indian Railways as it combines innovation with responsibility to bring together the combined expertise of its teams, that is committed to deliver reliable, safe and efficient technologies,” commented Tilak Raj Seth, executive vice-president and CEO, Mobility Division, Siemens Ltd.