The upgrade of DB’s first flagship InterCity Express (ICE 1) high-speed train series is part of a refurbishment program which will see the trains retrofitted with ABB’s highly energy efficient IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) traction converters.
Replacing existing power electronics from the 1990s with state-of-the-art traction technology will help to extend the operating life of the ICE 1 fleet for at least another decade, ABB said. Financial details of the contract have not been disclosed.
ABB’s traction equipment converts the electrical energy from the overhead power line to the right voltage and frequency to drive traction motors. The traction converters help to minimize energy losses, reduce mechanical stress on the existing traction motors and cut noise.
The company also claimed the upgrade would result in energy savings equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 5,000 households.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with ABB as a competent partner with proven expertise in customized propulsion solutions”, said Dr. Philipp Nagl, executive director production DB Fernverkehr at Deutsche Bahn.
“ABB traction converters were already successfully deployed in a first batch of 40 modernized ICE 1 high-speed locomotives in 2010. This replacement enabled significant energy savings and reductions of operating costs that were higher than expected. Together with our investments in energy efficient new rolling stock and new maintenance facilities this project is another milestone to strengthen our position as the most climate-friendly transport mode.”
“The fleet of ICE trains is the backbone of Germany’s high-speed train network and we are grateful to Deutsche Bahn for their trust in our technology,” said Edgar Keller, president of ABB’s traction division.