Wabtec has developed a set of proven power modules that enable Transit providers to meet the numerous technical challenges of integrating and maintaining an auxiliary power system. Our solutions help reduce time to market without compromising flexibility.
Today’s trains are equipped with an increasing number of electrical auxiliaries to boost thermal comfort, ensure good indoor air quality, and more. Auxiliary power systems provide the constant, regulated power needed to power these auxiliaries. However, supply voltage dips, electromagnetic interference, complex assembly integration, and reduced reliability can all compromise the effective operation of on-board auxiliary power systems.
Regulating external factors
Auxiliary power systems are essential to powering auxiliaries on trains. But a variety of external factors can impact auxiliary power performance. For example, electromagnetic interference from the overhead contact line can disturb frequencies, resulting in malfunctions in the signaling circuit. In addition, when integrating large components into the train design, finding a place for the auxiliary power system can be a challenge. And a weak auxiliary power supply can reduce reliability, resulting in lower train availability and higher maintenance costs. Meeting these challenges requires a partner with comprehensive auxiliary power know-how to design the right solution for your needs.
Powering today’s trains
Wabtec provides industry-leading power electronics that are used on board all types of mass transit vehicles: light-rail, high-speed, main-line, and underground trains, trams, and trolley buses. Compatible with a variety of tensions (i.e., overhead line voltage, third rail), our power electronics can convert input voltages up to 3,000 volts. They also have an output power range from 10 to 100 KVA.
Our product portfolio includes the following:
- Auxiliary converters: Our converters meet all of your vehicle’s power conversion needs by switching the input voltage from the overhead line or third-rail power supply into constant, regulated power. They can supply power to a variety of loads, such as air conditioning and ventilation systems, air generation and treatment units, and more.
- Battery chargers: Our chargers conveniently charge your auxiliary batteries, supply power to electronic equipment, and operate lighting during train operation.
Positive energy savings
Auxiliary power systems do more than just supply power to loads, they can also help trains realize major energy savings. Our new business model helps Transit providers reach an optimized energy-efficiency level by achieving shared energy-saving performance targets. Our range of innovative technical solutions are designed to help you select and implement a chosen configuration, while adapting to your operational constraints.
Auxiliary power innovator
Wabtec is an international manufacturer and supplier of on-board railway equipment and systems. Since 1979, we have provided power electronics and auxiliary power systems to train manufacturers and operators.
We developed our first auxiliary converter in 1979. Since then, we have been at the forefront of innovation, developing auxiliary power systems with ever-higher reliability and efficiency. In 2004, we launched our breakthrough patented Katium® technology, going on to develop a simplified topology in 2011 and the Katium® SiC in 2017.