Transformerless Electric Propulsion Solution

A green step forward with Converteam new electric transformerless propulsion solution using induction motors and AFE (active front end) converters.

With this new configuration, propulsion transformers and associated auxiliaries are removed. Generators are smaller (power factor of 1 instead of 0.9), the MV switchboards are also smaller (transformer feeders are removed) and DC chopper and braking resistor cubicles are no longer necessary.

Both rectifier and inverter bridges of the converters have exactly the same topology (AFE). They feature a three level NPC (Neutral Point Clamped) press-pack IGBTstructure which operates directly at for example 6.6 kV and other voltages are available for optimization. Each converter is based on two separated units which are able to operate independently, each one fitted with its own DC bus capacitors.

Main advantages

• Increased availability of the propulsion chain
• Installation time and cost savings and reduced maintenance and spare parts
• Operating flexibility for heavy maneuvering and / or ice class conditions
• Substantial weight saving

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