TRACKFORCE: Drive system for DC traction engines

IDT developed a technological solution, design and fabricated for the rail industry that enables the operation and control of the DC machines. This technology is called Trackforce drive system and was developed to operate with high efficiency and a high potential of control.

The development of this new technological solution allows rail companies modernize the current traction systems based on DC engines, giving characteristics of efficiency, control, maintenance and management, unique, similar or better that the last developments in AC traction engines controllers. Whose added-value is that they can be obtained at a much lower total value, since it does not require the replacement of engines, extending the useful life of existing machines in operation.

TRACKFORCE driver

“Trackforce” is a DC-DC “full bridge” type converter, designed with last generation IGBT semiconductors with antiparallel diodes. Trackforce has the characteristic of not making additional resistances, dynamic braking or direct braking. It doesn’t require a special supply for excitement during the braking, as the design considers the operation of the machine as an auto-excited series generator. This scheme is made possible by connecting the winding drive through an uncontrolled rectifier (diodes).

The operation frequency of the triggering circuit of the converter is of 3 kHz (adjustable). The trackforce drive can make the machine work in the four quadrants, flexibility that is guaranteed by connecting the field winding through a rectifier.

The design developed by IDT only considers general and principal supply contactors that connect the drive of the DC network, which is a real advantage in terms of performance, maintenance and simplicity of the equipment.