2012-07-27 - Shortly after the launch of the DCTrac circuit breaker, ABB has won the first order from a customer in China for a 100 percent low floor light vehicle (LRV) prototype.
ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won the first order for its innovative DCTrac high speed DC circuit breaker from Tangshan Railway Vehicle Co. Ltd (TRC), one of China’s largest rolling stock manufacturers. This contract forms part of the ABB full traction chain including traction converters, traction motors and TCMS (Train Communication Management System) as well as other traction peripherals to be installed on TRC’s prototype 100 percent low floor light rail vehicle.
This first Chinese order for DCTrac is a key milestone in ABB’s program to develop and market an on-board DC circuit breaker for metros, trams and trolley buses that maximizes performance but minimizes footprint, weight and maintenance needs.
Under the contract for TRC, ABB will supply three DCTrac 915 circuit breakers (rated up to 900 V) for each LRV, to be directly installed on the vehicle’s roof in a breaker enclosure. They will be delivered at the end of 2012, while the prototype is to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2013.
“DCTrac has demonstrated to the market that it is a proven technology by accumulating many route miles on three pilot installations (on tramways in Geneva and Lyon as well as an Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) running between France and Switzerland). It has now taken the next step with this key, first order for a customer in China’s rapidly developing railway market”, said Bruno Melles, head of ABB’s Medium Voltage business, a part of the company’s power products division.
DCTrac circuit breakers are ideally suited for both new build light rail projects and refurbishment contracts with a self-tripping bidirectional operation. They also dispense with the use of cadmium, making them more environmentally friendly.
ABB has a range of power and automation products and solutions for the rail industry and a vast global installed base. Increasing concern for the environment, rapid urbanization, the need to move more people and freight faster and volatile fuel prices make rail a strategic focus sector for the company.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs more than 145,000 people.