ABB solutions power into action across German train network

ABB has won orders from Swiss-based rail vehicle manufacturer Stadler to enable energy-efficient and sustainable transportation for operators Nahverkehrsverbund Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (NAH.SH) in northern Germany and Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) in the German Capital.

The scope of supply includes energy efficient traction converters and high-power lithium-ion battery based on-board energy storage systems. Financial details of the orders were not disclosed.

Sustainable transportation

“We are honoured to be the partner of choice for Stadler Germany and thankful for their trust in ABB’s innovative traction equipment, which is at the forefront of the transition towards more sustainable transportation,” says Edgar Keller, president of ABB’s Traction Division.

“Our energy storage systems are a perfect complement to our high-efficient traction converter portfolio. We can leverage many years of accumulated expertise in the field of batteries with strong traction domain know-how and turn it into innovative solutions for our customers.”

Single largest order

The ABB traction converters and lithium-ion based energy storage systems will be installed on 55 new BEMUs (bi-mode electric multiple unit), which is the single largest order for BEMUs worldwide, for local transport authority NAH.SH. The battery modules will be produced in ABB’s semi-automated factory in Baden, Switzerland, and then combined into energy storage systems in the Traction factory in Minden, Germany.

The new trains will operate in a partially electrified network, where the longest non-electrified section stretches up to 80 km, which were hitherto served by diesel rolling stock. The use of high power and long-life energy storage systems with high inherent safety level ensures that the vehicle has the same performance in all operating modes in addition to higher safety. The traction batteries will be charged while the vehicle is operating in electrified sections and at selected locations of the route.

Additionally, the energy storage system can be charged with 400V or 1,000V depot supply. ABB’s traction converter architecture ensures that all the operating and charging modes can be realised without the need for power electronic equipment beyond that required for an AC electric multiple unit (EMU) train.

More reliable and efficient

In the city of Berlin, the latest generation of traction converters will be installed on more than 600 new underground cars for BVG. Replacing the 30-year-old fleet with modern vehicles equipped with customised ABB technology will meet the need for more reliable and efficient service, and help accommodate growing passenger numbers. ABB traction technology has already proven very reliable in Stadler’s existing underground IK-type metro vehicles for BVG.