Schaffler - Rail Power Electronic Devices

Schaffler specialises in designing and manufacturing power electronic products exclusively for the railway industry. We manufacture products for use in the railway industry, such as battery chargers, inverters and converters. All our products comply with relevant international railway standards, in particular for shock and vibration, and electromagnetic compatibility.

Our 600 Platform comprises the following range of power electronic products that convert various rail supplies into 600VDC.

Rail DC-DC converters to reduce or increase voltage

Our range of DC-DC converters can buck (reduce voltage) or boost (increase voltage). Our flagship product is the Dcformer, a 10kW module. Other DC-DC converters are used in braking systems, headlight/ditch-light control applications and small power supplies.

Rail high-frequency, high-power switch-mode power supply module

The Dcformer DC-DC converter is a high-frequency, high-power switch-mode power supply in a small package. The unit can be mounted onto different heat-sinks for self-ventilation or forced ventilation applications.

The power module is rated at 10kW from 110VDC and 8kW from 74VDC. Five Dcformers can be connected in parallel to provide up to 50kW total power.

Rail three-phase inverters

Three-phase inverters are used to convert DC to produce three-phase AC power. The output is a PWM waveshape that can be used to drive motors.

Rail active front-end inverter

The Schaffler Activerter is an active front-end inverter that converts incoming AC to DC. The input is single-phase and is boosted to 600VDC at the output.

As part of a brake compressor power system, the Activerter regulates the power to the three phase inverter. The three-phase inverter drives the compressor motor. With a power factor close to unity, the Activerter is an advance over previous systems. The Activerter is more efficient and reduces harmonics in the supply.

Battery chargers for passenger and freight rolling stock

Schaffler battery chargers are suitable for use on passenger and freight rolling stock. 24V, 74V, 110V and 280V models are available to suit recharging of lead acid, nickel cadmium or nickel metal-hydride batteries.

Single-phase inverters for rolling stock

Single-phase inverters are used to convert DC to single-phase AC. Typically the output is sinusoidal at 50Hz or 60Hz. The output is used to power standard mains-connected devices such as lights, computers, air conditioners, refrigerators, kettles and microwave ovens. Our single-phase inverters range from 2.5kW to 20kW.

Ruggedised video monitoring products for rolling stock

The TrainCam system is a range of ruggedised video monitoring products for use on rolling stock and throughout the rail industry. The cameras are able to be mounted on rolling stock with minimal fuss. The power requirements are small and can be supplied by on-board system or auxiliary power supplies, or solar powered.

Initially developed for security applications, the flexibility of the TrainCam system allows it to be used for:

• Video monitoring
• Event recording
• Diagnostics
• Security

AC-power converter sets

Converter sets are used in situations where maintenance personnel require AC power but generators cannot be used, such as in tunnels or confined areas. A converter set is a combination system which comprises a battery charger and inverters. The inverters may be single-phase or three-phase.

The converter set is connected to a large battery bank that is the source of power. Later, when the maintenance is finished, the battery bank is charged at a depot.

Air-conditioning power systems for rolling stock

Schaffler air-conditioning power systems are a combination of several power modules. Typically these will be comprised of a DC-DC converter and two three-phase inverters. The DC-DC converter will take the input power which is usually from batteries and regulate the power supplied to the inverters.

Brake compressor power systems

The brake compressor power system is a combination of two 600 Platform products. The active front-end inverter takes the input single phase power and converts it to a regulated 600VDC. This power is used by a three-phase inverter which provides 415VAC to control a 22kW brake compressor.