Propulsion for Light Rail Vehicles

This is an asynchronous self-paced online course. There are recorded presentations/lectures, readings and resources, and quizzes to facilitate learning. All assignments and course interactions will utilize Internet technologies and require active student participation.

Upon completion you will be able to:

• List the four methods of energy management system in light rail vehicle propulsion systems.
• Identify characteristics of each of the four methods of system generation.
• Define what retrofit is for an electrical light rail vehicle.
• Explain the main motivations for the decision to retrofit and what the benefits are.

If you are new to work in this area or need to understand the concepts related to light rail vehicles, this webinar is for you. The life cycle management of light rail vehicles is an important topic that requires years of planning and can have impacts in the millions of dollars if not planned properly, not to mention negative impacts on service to the public.

At the completion, you will receive a certificate of participation for 1 Professional Development Hour (1 PDH) or 0.1 Continuing Education Unit (0.1 CEU). Retain a copy of this certificate for your records.

Propulsion Systems of Light Rail Vehicles

• Overview of propulsion and energy management systems
• Life cycle management
• Why retrofit?

Power Electronics and Control

• Power electronics
• Propulsion system design
• Control and Diagnostics

Energy Storage

• Energy storage technologies
• Lithium battery chemistries
• Railway energy storage applications

Liam Martin

Beginning in 2013, Liam has been deeply involved with transport at ABB, both in the field and office. He is currently the North American Product Manager for ABB Traction, and has had previous roles in Traction Electrical Engineering and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. In addition to moving from Canada to the US to support the division, over the years he has pored over many clause-by-clause analyses, tested and troubleshot converters, and co-authored many a technical specification. He has experienced the whole technical gamut of rail vehicles, from light rail to locomotives, and will often take public transportation when in a new city for the fun of so doing.