Bombardier places ‘breakthrough’ order for ABB transformers

TIN news:  Bombardier Transportation has placed the first contract for ABB’s Effilight roof-mounted traction transformer design, ordering 42 transformers for installation on 21 Talent 3 electric multiple-units which it is to supply to Austrian Federal Railways for use in the Vorarlberg region.

The Effilight has a patented cell design which ABB says can reduce the amount of oil required by up to 70% without compromising functionality. The saving in oil volume compensates for the additional copper introduced to reduce losses and improve energy efficiency. To meet higher energy efficiency objectives, ABB has optimised the design for a load loss reduction of 25% compared with an older design of transformer of the same weight.

The initial order has been placed within a framework agreement which could see ABB supply up to 600 transformers for 300 EMUs by the end of 2024.