Transit Vehicle Controls
Digital/DC Traction Motor Controls & Vehicle Control Systems for Mass Transit

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Cableform, Inc. designs and builds Digital DC Traction-Motor controls and computerized Total Vehicle Control Systems for transit vehicles using shunt-wound or series-wound DC traction motors. Digital DC Controls and Systems are built for 600 volt DC and 750 volt DC trolley bus, trolley line, and light rail vehicles.

Cableform's application of IGBT power semiconductors to DC traction motors delivers greatly improved reliability, performance, and efficient use of electric energy to the Mass Transit Industry using, or wishing to investigate, the new DC traction-control technology. Controls are installed in new vehicles and are easily fitted to older vehicles.

Description

Solid-state forward/reverse, acceleration, deceleration and braking control of DC shunt motors and DC series motors. The trolley's operator-controls send signals to the Cableform Vehicle Control Computer (VCC) which transmits and receives data to/from the IGBT chopper drives and all other circuits. The Cableform VCC monitors all functions and reports the status and condition of all components to an integrated PCMCIA card data logger and operator display. The VCC also controls additional vehicle functions such as mechanical brakes, sanders, and door interlocks.

Motor Control System Components

• Vehicle Control Computer with Integrated Data Logger
• IGBT Chopper Drive with Microprocessor Logic
• Central Tram Power Supply (DC/AC & DC/DC Converter)

Application

Complete motor control system for trolley cars and trolley busses with one, two, or four DC shunt motors or DC series motors. Cableform drives are made for retrofitting to older vehicles and for installation in new vehicles.

Benefits

Cableform Digital DC Motor Control Systems:

• Work with existing traction motors.
• Replaces older GTO technology.
• Eliminate speed-control contactors and resistors.
• Eliminate direction-control contactors.
• Eliminates series inductors, required with GTO systems, in the motor circuit.
• Provide computer diagnostics.
• Provide efficient use of electrical energy.
• Provide smooth regenerative and dynamic braking.
• Reduce maintenance costs.
• Reduce the demand on the system power grid.

Basic Technical Specifications

Projects