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Project Title: Transit Gearbox for Urban Rail
Alstom Transportation, Inc., Hornell, NY
BACKGROUND
As congestion in metropolitan New York continues to rise, and the electrified suway system and commuter rail fleets age, it is clear that improved rail systems and components are needed to provide more effective and efficient performance. One area needing continual improvement are the railcar propulsion systems, which consume the vast amounts of electrical energy. Systems developed by railcar manufacturers such as Alstom for European require customization for North American operations, and some components must be fully redesigned to meet stringent North American standards. The newest generation of subway car for New York City Transit (NYCT) is designated the R160 series, and represents the latest technology in AC propulsion. This type of propulsion system requires, however, a reliable, efficient reduction gearbox for traction power transfer between the railcar motors and the car wheels.
OBJECTIVE
Develop an efficient, reliable gearbox for incorporation into the R160 subway car propulsion system being developed by Alstom Transportation in Hornell, New York.
DESCRIPTION
A multi-phased project was completed, including design, production prototype fabrication, 1000 hour factory testing and one year of in-service testing. The highly successful product development initiative resulted in the gearbox being incorporated in Alstom’s subsequent order for R160 subway cars for New York City Transit. This railcar order, in excess of $2 billion, represented the largest of its kind in North America, and encompassed an anticipated eventual production and delivery of an approximately 1600 subway cars.
BENEFITS
Use of the high-efficiency AC propulsion systems improves the overall energy efficiency of the transit systems in New York City. This gearbox developed in this project is incorporated in the AC propulsion system for the newest generation of high efficiency subway cars at NYCT, and also resulted in increased New York State manufacturing content, since the gearbox is now manufactured in upstate New York.
SCHEDULE AND STATUS
The project was concluded in 2003.
Staff Contact
Frank Ralbovsky
Project Manager
ext. 3260
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