Hirect completes testing of in-house 6,000 hp electric locomotive propulsion system

Indian power electronics manufacturer Hirect has completed the acceptance regime for its 6,000 hp (4,475 kW) electric locomotive propulsion system, which hauled loaded freight in a WAG-9 locomotive under what the company describes as severe duty cycles and a demanding thermal operating environment. Hirect designed, engineered and manufactured the system in-house, including its liquid-cooled IGBT traction inverters and converters and its own control software. The qualification opens one of the world’s largest locomotive markets to its complete propulsion package, Hirect says, and establishes a modular subsystem platform for new-build, retrofit and hybrid locomotive programs internationally.

The company has also secured a development order from Indian Railways’ Modern Coach Factory for complete propulsion systems for four Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trainsets. The 24-month program covers traction transformers, traction motors and the fully integrated propulsion system, including the Train Control and Management System (TCMS). Hirect describes it as its first development order for a complete trainset propulsion system. A MEMU carries its traction equipment distributed beneath the cars of the trainset rather than concentrated in a locomotive.

Hirect’s rail portfolio also includes traction transformers, IGBT converters, auxiliary power supplies, SiC battery chargers, traction motors and HVAC systems.

That equipment, the company says, supports the transition from diesel traction to hybrid, electric and alternative-energy traction, including hydrogen.

“Powering Indian Railways locomotives with a propulsion system designed and produced entirely in-house, and delivering the complete power and control systems for modern trainsets, demonstrates the strength of our R&D and our ability to take responsibility for the whole system—from the dielectric coating on our copper wire to the control software,” said Suramya Nevatia, Hirect’s Chairman and Managing Director.

Source: Hirect