News Releases

Toshiba has Supplied Propulsion Systems for Tobu Railway’s New Train Cars

・Advanced propulsion system built around PMSM and VVVF traction inverters reduces power consumption
・Toshiba continues to develop compact equipment offering high energy efficiency for the world market
21 Apr, 2017

TOKYO—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) announced that high performance train propulsion systems it has delivered to Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. have entered service today driving the “Revaty,” Tobu’s new series 500 trains.

The unchallenged benefits of Toshiba’s advanced permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) include a 97% rated energy efficiency and a totally enclosed design that eliminates the need for cleaning throughout the service life, while minimizing maintenance and reducing noise. The PMSM’s variable-voltage, variable-frequency (VVVF) inverter system integrates four inverter circuits and a single cooling unit, achieving a smaller and lighter design than typical systems. In addition, Toshiba's proprietary control system for regenerative braking* harvests more energy and boosts overall train efficiency.

Toshiba has supplied totally enclosed high energy efficiency PMSM and VVVF traction inverters to multiple train companies in Japan and overseas. In Japan, customers include Tokyo Metro’s Ginza, Marunouchi, Tozai and Chiyoda Lines; Kyushu Railway Company’s Chikuhi and Karatsu Lines; Hankyu’s Kobe and Takarazuka Line; and Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway’s Nanboku Line. In Singapore, trains incorporating Toshiba propulsion systems have entered service last 2015.

Toshiba continues to offer products that boost energy efficiency and lower life-cycle costs in its railway business and contributes to railroad transportation combining environmental friendliness with passenger comfort.

*
A braking system that uses the main motor as a generator during braking and supplies the output to the electrical load

Toshiba’s Totally Enclosed PMSM

Toshiba’s VVVF inverter system

Photo of the “Revaty”, Tobu’s new series 500 trains