Latest developments in 3-phase locos (as per the manual) :-
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1. The existing GTO based traction converter is a group drive, i.e., all the traction motors in a bogie are connected in parallel. While, the IGBT based
converter has got single axle drive capability, therefore, in case of any
problem...
more... with a particular TM, only that particular TM can be isolated unlike in
the GTO based converter where the whole bogie has to be isolated.
2. Due to single axle drive it has got better adhesion performance.
3. Because of smaller size of the converter it may be possible to install
additional equipments like hotel load converter in the locomotive.
4. In order to improve the control of the drive, the active type speed sensors
have been provided which have better resolution by incorporating sensors
which can provide strong signals at 200 pulse per revolution.
5. This converter has taken full advantage of the advancement in the processor
speed which has paved the way for less number of PCB cards with better
performance at the higher temperatures.
6. Power loss reduction by approx. 50% in comparison with GTO loco
equipment.
7. Annual energy saving (considering @ Rs 4.62 / unit) will be approx. Rs. 34
lakhs assuming loco utilization of 85% service per day.
8. 40% reduction in weight and compact in size compared to GTO equipment.
9. 60% reduction in usage of electric cards (only 3 major cards compared to
17), hence increasing the loco reliability.
10. Sensor less speed control.
11. Water cooled system thus safer vis-à-vis oil cooled system.
12. Better slip / slide controls, because of axle control and modern high speed
digital signal processing algorithm.
13. Less harmonics because of high switching frequency.
14. Designed without using any proprietary ASIC.
15. Configured to open standard controls TCN based network.
16. Modern design of software using Matlab / Simulink.