ABB traction technologies selected to power South Africa’s first high-speed rail link.
The 80-kilometre Gautrain Rapid Rail Link will bring high-speed commuter transport to SA’s Gauteng province. By providing the province’s large population with a high-speed transit system, the government expects to stimulate economic growth and job creation through improved commuter mobility. It will also reduce traffic and carbon emissions on congested highways. ABB is playing a vital role in the project by providing advanced traction solutions that will power the entire 80 km line and the 24 electric trains that will operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
The power to the line solution comprises one main feeder substation, which steps down power from the grid to the correct voltage, and five autotransformer paralleling substations located at intervals along the track. The entire ABB solution is designed with exceptionally high levels of reliability, redundancy and safety to ensure 99,99% availability. The equipment also has to withstand exposure to pollutants, high levels of seismic and lightning activity, and operate over a wide temperature range at high altitude.
Each of the 24 four-car electric trainsets is powered by an ABB traction transformer and a traction motor manufactured by ABB for train provider Bombardier Transportation. The Gautrain is a variant of Bombardier’s award-winning Electrostar train, which is widely used in the United Kingdom, also powered by ABB traction transformers and traction motors
ABB has modified the transformer design to meet specific requirements of the Gautrain for high acceleration, low noise emissions and adaptability to the African climate. Chief among these modifications is an increase in power of around 40% to boost the train’s acceleration.
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