ABB to supply traction transformers for most powerful passenger electric locomotives
ABB has won an order of about ₹115 crore from Indian Railways (Diesel Locomotive works, Varanasi) to supply traction transformers. These transformers are customized for the WAP-7 type electric locomotive. The 6000 horsepower capacity locomotive is capable of hauling 24 coaches at speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour.
The project is part of the 'Mission Electrification' initiative of the Indian Railways, which aims to convert an additional 24,000 kilometers of railways network from fuel oil to electrification. The mission also aims to enhance energy efficiency by adopting high quality equipment and facilitating the increased adoption of renewable energy in railway operations.
“ABB continues its strong commitment to the Indian Railways, with technology that enables 24x7, reliable and quality power for this critical mode of transportation. We have recently also supplied power quality solutions for the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) which helps to regulate and stabilize the power supply.” said Pitamber Shivnani, Local Division Manager, Power Grids division, ABB India.
The transformers will be manufactured at ABB’s Vadodara facility in Gujarat.
ABB transformers power about half the world’s electrical locomotives and train sets, and most train manufacturers and rail operators rely on them. ABB’s traction transformers are compact, lightweight and extremely reliable. In addition to traction power solutions, ABB provides a diverse power portfolio for rail and urban transport solutions including static frequency converter stations, power quality systems, ABB AbilityTM network management systems, energy recuperation and energy storage systems, system studies and dynamic traction power supply simulations based on powerful software tools.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner in ABB Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com
