Development of SiC Applied Traction System for Shinkansen High-speed Train

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a traction system for high-speed trains by adopting SiC power devices to pursue weight reduction and compactness of the system. We found the combination of the SiC applied conversion system with train-draft cooling system and 6-pole induction motors is a suitable approach to highlight the merits of SiC devices. The running tests of a prototype were conducted to confirm its sound performances. The developed traction system is to be installed in the latest-type Shinkansen train, or the Series N700S, which will debut in March 2018, and this SiC application to high-speed train's traction system is the first case over the world.