Siemens Mobility and Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the field of SiC power module technology, with the aim of enabling efficient and sustainable transportation and electrical energy savings, in the transportation sector.
With creation of the ‘European Green Deal’, the European Union (EU) has committed itself to being the first continent to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, meaning no net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 2050.
European Green Deal
At an intermediate stage, CO2 emissions are already to be reduced by 55 % by 2030, when compared to the emissions level in 1990. The European Green Deal will result in binding directives for individual sectors regarding CO2 emissions.
These directives apply in particular to the transport sector, where greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are to be reduced by 90 % by 2050, alongside an increasing demand for mobility. In particular, the rail industry and its suppliers, and more specifically the technologies and components used in rail transport, are important contributors to achieving this goal.
SiC power module technology
Power semiconductors play a key role in railway vehicles, from trams to high-speed trains
Power semiconductors play a key role in railway vehicles, from trams to high-speed trains. Standard silicon-based power semiconductors are being continuously developed, and new technologies are being advanced, such as the use of SiC (silicon carbide), which will enable even greater efficiency and the greatest reduction in weight in the future.
It is, in fact, the railroad market that is stimulating demand for more efficient energy conversion technology.
New technological standards with leading SiC technology
Mitsubishi Electric sets new technological standards with leading SiC technology and decarbonizes SIEMENS Mobility railways.
Mitsubishi Electric’s SiC devices have proven long-term reliability in the most demanding of applications, such as traction inverters in trains. The potential for energy savings through the use of Mitsubishi Electric’s wide range of SiC power devices in railway technology exists particularly in the area of traction drives.
SiC 3300 V power modules offer energy savings
In particular, the full SiC 3300 V power modules contribute to energy savings and the downsizing of traction inverters. The suitable SiC chipset for high-speed switching is used in the standardized LV100 package, which provides low stray inductance and easy paralleling capability.
The power losses of LV100 full SiC modules can be reduced by approximately 75%, when compared to the conventional Si power modules, during the inverter operation. As a result, the efficiency of the traction inverter is increased.
Siemens, a Pioneer in electrically powered trains
Siemens has always been a pioneer in the construction of electrically powered trains
Siemens has always been a pioneer in the construction of electrically powered trains. Their 140 years of experience forms the basis for the new Mireo Plus regional train platform, which enables operators to run their operations efficiently and economically without local CO2 emissions.
Using the innovative technology of the battery powered Mireo Plus, Siemens Mobility enables electrification of railway lines, even without a continuous overhead contact line.
Energetically optimized drive system
SiC technology is particularly beneficial for regional trains with an innovative battery hybrid drive for use on rail sections with, or without an overhead contact line. It reduces weight to a minimum, optimizes performance, and boosts the efficiency of multiple units, in terms of mileage and range.
With an energetically optimized drive system, the energy absorption from the grid is nearly 10 percent less than that of today’s vehicles, thanks to the use of SiC components. SiC's greatest potential is in its higher energy efficiency and reduced weight.