09 September 26
10min readThe Hermelijn trams of De Lijn have been a familiar sight in Antwerp and Ghent for many years. To keep these vehicles reliably operational in the years ahead, critical electronic systems on board are being reviewed and renewed.
One of these systems is the static converter, also known as STOMV. It plays a central role in the electrical power distribution on board the tram.
For this project, De Lijn is working together with Elipse, EREA and Premium PSU.
Each partner brings its own expertise: De Lijn as the technical owner of the vehicle, EREA for the required galvanic isolation through transformer solutions, Premium PSU as an established supplier of power electronics for railway applications and Elipse as the technical design-in partner for the complete power architecture.
Railway power conversion
Conversion of high DC input voltage into usable AC and DC voltage levels on board.
Galvanic isolation
EREA provides a transformer solution that supports electrical safety and isolation.
Thermal management
The solution is approached from both an electrical and thermal perspective for integration in rolling stock.
Why a new solution is needed
Electronics have a finite service life. In vehicles such as trams, this is even more critical because components are exposed to vibration, temperature fluctuations, electrical peak loads and intensive daily operation over many years.
When components become more difficult to source over time or maintenance becomes more complex, a well-considered redesign is required. Not by replacing one component one-to-one, but by technically reviewing the complete function.
In the Hermelijn trams, the focus is on the static converter. This system plays a central role in distributing power to various consumers on board.
From high DC voltage to reliable power on board
The high DC voltage available through the overhead line must be converted on the tram into other voltage levels. This includes three-phase AC voltage and low DC voltage for auxiliary loads, control systems and battery support.
The solution combines a Premium DC/AC inverter for converting high DC voltage into three-phase AC voltage, an EREA transformer for galvanic isolation and Premium AC/DC power supplies for the low DC voltage supply on board and for charging the batteries.
This low DC voltage supports various auxiliary loads, control systems and the battery charging function. Under normal conditions, the batteries are charged through the installation. They can also provide support during short peak loads or when voltage is temporarily unavailable through the overhead line.
Premium as a partner for power electronics in railway applications
For the power electronics, Elipse selected Premium. This Spanish manufacturer has extensive experience with power electronics for railway applications and has international references in rolling stock.
For De Lijn, the solution builds on proven technology, adapted to the specific technical context of the Hermelijn trams. That combination is important: the solution must allow for customisation, while starting from technology that has already proven itself in demanding applications.
Premium uses modern semiconductor technology in its power electronics, including SiC, or silicon carbide. This technology helps reduce losses and heat generation, which is important in compact and thermally demanding railway applications.
More than power conversion
In this type of application, it is not only about voltage and current. Thermal management is also a crucial part of the design.
Power electronics generate heat. This heat must be controlled and dissipated, especially when components are integrated into a technical cabinet on the vehicle. That is why the solution is not only assessed electrically, but also developed from a thermal perspective.
Together with Premium, the thermal load, available space, component placement and reliability of the solution in different operating conditions are considered.
This is exactly where Elipse makes the difference as a technical partner: not only selecting the right product, but thinking along with the complete application.
The role of EREA
EREA provides the transformer solution for the required galvanic isolation. This isolation is important for building the electrical architecture in a safe and reliable way.
In addition to the transformer itself, EREA also contributes expertise on practical integration, connections and monitoring. As a result, the solution is not only aligned with the electrical requirements, but also with how De Lijn will later manage and maintain the system.
Temperature monitoring in the transformer can also be provided, allowing the thermal condition of the solution to be monitored more closely during operation.
Technical project approach
In this project, the solution is considered from several technical perspectives. Not only the electrical performance is important, but also integration, battery function, temperature development and reliability in different operating conditions.
This broad technical approach is essential in rolling stock, where components must continue to function for many years under vibration, temperature fluctuations and intensive daily use.
- Electrical performance
- Integration
- Battery function
- Thermal behaviour
Design-in collaboration
From Elipse, Rudi Vanden Berghe supports this project as Business Development Manager. He brought together the technical requirements of De Lijn, the transformer solution from EREA and the railway power electronics from Premium into one aligned power architecture.
Together with De Lijn, EREA and Premium, the complete application was reviewed: from voltage conversion and galvanic isolation to battery support, thermal management and practical integration in the vehicle. This results not in a loose component selection, but in a technical solution aligned with the reality of rolling stock and the requirements of De Lijn.
Why do engineers choose Elipse for railway power projects?
Technical support
Advice from engineers with practical experience.
Correct dimensioning
Support in selecting converters, power supplies, inverters and transformer solutions.
Partner selection
The right technology partner with the right certifications for each application.
Project support
From design-in to technical development and implementation.
Discover more solutions for railway, power conversion and technical support
For all types of conversion between AC and DC, with support for design and integration.
Premium PSU
Railway and industrial power conversion for demanding applications.
DC/AC Inverters
Conversion of DC voltage into reliable AC power.
Railway & Transport
Power supply solutions for rolling stock and transport applications.
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