Battery Self-Traction System for High-Speed Trains

Abstract

This paper presents a new battery self-traction system for high-speed trains. We developed an SiC applied traction system for the latest Shinkansen train, Series N700S. The developed system is so compact and lightweight that it saves space and weight, which can be used for new equipment under the floor of the car body. Utilizing the released space and weight, we started developing a novel battery system for traction to use in case of power failure of the catenary. This is the first battery self-traction system for high-speed trains in the world. In this paper, we introduce the design philosophy and procedures and discuss the results of the running tests.