GE Power Conversion has been contracted to update the phase balancer control system along with other elements, including the thyristor control and cooling plant systems. The new equipment supports utilization of the existing power modules and filter banks. The updated system will also feature GE’s Visor Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics (RM&D) digital portal.
“GE Power Conversion is pleased to be partnering with Network Rail and helping to deliver this important rail electrification programme,” said Peter Oram, Sales and Commercial Director at GE Power Conversion.
Oram added, “Network Rail’s objectives are aligned to a wider trend within the transport sector to improving energy efficiency performance and bringing in new technology that can deliver cleaner energy, in support of the UK government’s on-going Net Zero journey.”
The RIDC site is a specific track system that provides a safe environment for testing new trains before they operate on the wider UK rail network. The site has been purpose built to support both high and low speed testing of vehicle and infrastructure using eleven miles of 25 kV overhead line equipment and third and fourth rail DC electric equipment.
Network Rail is now focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of rail transport, with the RIDC facility acting as a key infrastructure enabling this innovation drive.
Trains, operating as single-phase electric loads, can inherently create imbalance on three-phase supplies, with harmonic contents leading to a less efficient power network. The phase balancer, as its name suggests, helps to improve power quality by balancing the electrical network, as well as reducing the losses created by the harmonics.
Once upgraded, the phase balancer will allow the system to operate better within electrical performance requirements and improve the carbon footprint of the site.
Satnam Thiara, RIDC Business Development Manager, said “Our progressive drive to reduce our carbon impact and deliver energy efficiency directly benefits RIDC customers and enables them to continue to advance innovation and technology for the rail industry, we look forward to working with GE to update the phase balancer.”