Trains A Tough Environment

Do you know, it only takes about 30 days to manufacture a fully fledged train? Or that power converters in a train have to manage extreme conditions, such as temperature (differences between –40 C up to +70 C degrees), or shocks and vibrations that your video at home definitely would not cope with?

Conditions that put tough requirements on product quality and
performance, as well as supplier reliability and just-in-time deliveries.

The product tests needed for this kind of application, such as EMC and shock tests, are an integral part of all Powerbox product development.

The PB271 range of DC DC converters has a wide 45 - 154Vdc input voltage and is available with 12 or 24Vdc output.

The PBSP range of DC AC Inverters is available with 110Vdc input at 2.5kVA, 96Vdc at 3.5kVA and 74Vdc at 4kVA and can provide 240Vac, 50Hz ac power from the train generator and batteries.

NEW HIGH EFFICIENCY RAILWAY CONVERTER

To meet increasing needs for less energy waste, Powerbox has designed a high efficiency railway converter to supply Locomotive headlights. The dual output PB315 replaces dropping resistors currently used to dim incandescent headlights on Locomotives. These dropping resistors waste large amounts of battery energy as heat, which in turn adds to the air conditioning load which requires more energy for cooling.

With high switch mode efficiency of around 90%, PB315 railway converter provides significant energy saving as compared to resistors. PB315 is ruggedised against shock & vibration and therefore much less prone to mechanical failure as compared to resistors. In addition the unit provides a much more stable output voltage and a softer startup, minimizing electrical stresses to the filaments and adding considerably to the lamp lifetime.

PB315 is designed to supply 2 x Par 56 lamps ie 2 x 68V, 4.6A high beam and 2 x 32V, 3.3A low beam. If required, these outputs can be modified to suit other lamps. High / low beam is controlled from toggle switch inside the cabin. PB315 provides a headlight fail alarm via a set of volt free contacts. Units are available with screw, fasten or cage clamp terminals.

Designed and manufactured in Australia specifically for rail applications, PB315 railway converter meets railway specifications for operating conditions (EN50155) and EMC / EMI (EN50121). The unit will operate at high temperature, has no vent holes to prevent dust / moisture ingress and is protected from electrical spikes & bursts.

PB315 provides substantial cost saving in terms of energy saved though less heat waste and less air conditioning loading. Further cost saving are achieved through longer lamp life and less maintenance / longer lifetime of PB315 as compared to resistors.