Simplified Power Converter for Integrated Traction Energy Storage

Electrical energy storage has a significant role to play in improving the performance of future electric traction systems. This paper proposes a new power electronics topology that integrates the energy storage power electronics with those of the inverter drive system. This topology reduces weight and component count compared with previous topologies but still allows the use of standard machines. Practical results from a laboratory test system are shown, and indicative energy savings for a full-sized system are presented. A study on a City Class Tram on the public transportation system in Blackpool, U.K., shows that clear energy savings may be made by employing ultracapacitor energy storage with the proposed topology.