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Battery Powered Electric trains
Electrical-propulsion systems have powered trains for more than 100 years, and today, traveling long distances by battery-powered trains is a reality. These are not just demonstration projects. Forward-looking companies are committing resources to electrify our most important mode of mass transportation. One advantage of battery-powered electric trains is that they are not limited to places where overhead lines can be installed. Another advantage is that electric trains are much quieter than traditional trains, meaning that travelers enjoy a much more comfortable environment.
See our products in action
To test the batteries and power electronics components that drive these new electric trains, you need test equipment that’s up to the task. EA Elecktro-Automatik has the equipment needed for this new era of locomotive technology. For example, EA’s PSB Series of bi-directional power supplies allows you to test DC-DC converters without using a real battery, while our PSI Series DC power supplies provide flexible waveform generation that allow you test compliance to the EN 50155-2017 standard. EA’s ELR Regenerative DC loads offer the best power density for battery life testing for both Li-ion and fuel cell technology.
Products Used in Railway Technology
PS/PSI Autoranging DC Power Supplies
Turnkey Power Racks
Find the Right Tool
Power Selection Guide
What MUST you consider when choosing a Programmable DC Power Supply? What output is right for your application? How much power you you pay for without over specifying? Download our Guide to help you navigate the many considerations when specing the right DC power supply.
Download Power GuideApplication Solutions
Battery Simulation
Fuel cells, used in conjunction with Li-ion rechargeable batteries, offer locomotive manufacturers a stable and high-capacity power source for long-distance travel. This hybrid solution is the future of battery-powered electric trains. The key challenge for locomotive design engineers is optimizing the energy flow between the fuel cell, the Li-ion batteries, and the DC-DC converter. Using EA power supplies as a programmable and configurable battery simulator, engineers can test many different scenarios and shorten time-to-market.
EA Advantages
- Li-Battery & Lead Acid Battery Simulation Models (Including SOC and SOH user parameters)
- Fuel Cell Simulation
- Wide voltage range, from 60-2000V
- Highest Power Density in industry, 30kW / 4U
- Modular design for flexible power expansion and ease of maintenance
- Regenerative for high power testing
Typical Test Setup
Fuel Cell Simulation in EA PowerControl
Battery Simulation in EA Battery Simulator
Battery Charging
DC-DC Converter and Dynamic Charging
Auto-ranging with Bi-directional feature
Electric trains, like your mobile phone need charging. Below is simplified diagram of an electric train’s power distribution system. It includes the battery charger, DC-DC converter, DC-AC inverter and consumer devices, such as lighting and air-conditioning. To verify that this system will operate under extreme environmental conditions, you need a wide range of programmable DC power supplies.
EA DC Power Supply Advantages
- Autoranging output for saving unit cost
- Regenerative feature saves cost on endurance test (reduce the electricity cost)
- Built-in function generator for user defined waveform such as EN 50155-2017
Case Studies
High Performance Tests with High Dynamics
Real-life example of a test rack
To test high-performance electric trains, you need high-performance DC power supplies. For example, to ensure compliance with the EN 50155-2017 standard, DC-DC converters in battery-powered electric trains have to tested to ensure that they will operate safely.
In addition, voltage fluctuation tests are also required for the main power modules in the train. To perform these tests, EA can supply a compact power rack (240kW/42U) with bidirectional power supplies that have a flexible function generator that allows you to produce the waveforms called out by the standard.
Waveform of the voltage fluctuation (300V/2,5ms, no load condition)
A ripple of 60Hz at 220Vdc offset (no load condition)
Example of a 180kW Power Rack
- Source mode: (from top to the 3rd unit)
1000V/240A/90kW - Sink mode (from the 4th to the lowest unit)
1000V/240A/90kW - Full Load Verification
Source and sink interconnected
450V / 200A / 90k
An example of a 180kW Power Rack
Result