Traction Powrconverter To Source Utility/Hotel Load For Passenger Trains

Abstract: Utility or hotel load for the passenger coaches is sourced either from a Self Generation (SG) system of the coach itself or from an End-on-Generator (EOG) and more recently from the HOGs connected to a group of coaches of the train. 1. This invention submitted vide this application relates to a product titled 'Traction Power Converter (TPC) which is intended to meet the electrical power needs of passenger trains in a manner similar to the conventional diesel operated End-on-Generator ( EOG ) cars and the under trial Head-on-Generator (HOG) and thus can replace the latter in the electrified sections of railways. 2. While the conventional systems (in vogue) to supply utility/hotel power to passenger trains rely either on mechanical power from the trains' locomotive or diesel/fossil fuel generator/s attached to the train, TPC draws electric power which is generally 25 KV AC or 1.5 KV DC; and convert it to the specifications of utility/hotel load of the train much like electric locomotives and power cars of metro or EMU trains of Indian Railways. 3. Operating principle of TPC resembles the first two functions of electric locomotives' and motor/power cars' sub-systems; which are, to draw/collect electrical power from the traction line and convert the same. Because of this resemblance, even retired power cars and electrical locomotives or their components can be suitably adapted for TPCs. 4. In one of the variants, subject to availability of space; TPC can be housed in any existing (conventional) electrical locomotive. Here in, it will share the Loco's pantograph to collect electrical power from the overhead traction power line and convert the same for use as utility power in its stand alone/independent conversion equipment. In this variant, the TPC will impart all the benefits of both types of HOGs ( Rajdhani & Saptagiri ) like the desired load, cost and pace of acquisition. 5. While the electrical power collector/s have to be located as per the layout of traction power line, the power conversion equipment can be mounted either on the floor of a dedicated coach in a manner similar to the existing diesel operated EOGs or hanged under its belly like in metro coaches. Such coaches can be positioned anywhere in train's formation/coach sequence and thus impart operational flexibility. 6. The invention will find application on electrified railway tracks to meet the utility/hotel power requirements of passenger trains and will provide benefits of cost and environmental friendliness. 7. The concept of TPC can be extended even to goods trains to provide power for refrigeration equipment of wagons/containers.

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