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	Introduction     Database      Technologies    Projects     Calendar     Discussions     Contact & Links     Imprint & Disclaimer     Sitemap	go back to technology list       previous technology  next technology     IGBT  evaluated   Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) are today's state-of-the-art power electronics for the traction system of electric (and diesel-electric) rail vehicles. They replace the previous inverter generation represented by GTO (gate turn-off thyristors). Technology field: Optimisation of traction technologies General information   Description General criteria   Status of development: in use   Time horizon for broad application: now   Expected technological development: highly dynamic   Benefits (other than environmental): big   Barriers: low   Applicability for railway segments: high     Type of traction:  electric - DC, electric - AC, diesel     Type of transportation:  passenger - main lines, passenger - high speed, passenger - regional lines, passenger - suburban lines, freight     Grade of diffusion into railway markets:   Diffusion into relevant segment of fleet: 5 - 20%   Share of newly purchased stock: > 50%   Market potential (railways): high Environmental criteria   Impacts on energy efficiency:   Energy efficiency potential for single vehicle: 5 - 10%   Energy efficiency potential throughout fleet: > 5%   Other environmental impacts: positive Economic criteria   Vehicle - fix costs: low   Vehicle - running costs: significant reduction   Infrastructure - fix costs: none   Infrastructure - running costs: unchanged   Scale effects: low   Amortisation: < 1 year Application outside railway sector   Status of development outside railway sector: in use   Time horizon for broad application outside railway sector: now   Expected technological development outside railway sector: highly dynamic   Market potential outside railway sector: high Overall rating   Overall potential: very promising   Time horizon: short-term References / Links: Attachments: Related projects:  Choppers for Sprinter train sets Contact persons:  date created: 2002-10-09     © UIC - International Union of Railways 2003			Your contribution    add technology  Views of this page    show overview    show evaluation    show details  Print options    print data sheet    print screen  Help    Evaluation briefing    Technology list     French - German