Electric traction is commonly adopted for many rail traction applications ranging from heavy locomotives to light rail transit systems.  SR Drive^® technology is well suited to these applications, particularly with the trend towards multiple drive systems and the current interest in hybrid schemes to reduce fuel consumption.

Switched Reluctance Drives Ltd and its licensees have experience in the design and development of rail traction systems ranging from streetcar applications to heavy duty locomotives.  SR Drive^® technology provides a cost effective, rugged and reliable package for rail traction with simple but rapid direct torque control enabling effective traction control and braking schemes to be simply implemented.

Many of the other SR Drive^® technology attributes are important for this type of application, including high system efficiency, wide constant power range, easy thermal management and fault tolerance.  It is expected that SR Drive^® technology will play an important role in the emerging hybrid configurations being considered for rail traction using batteries and/or super-capacitors and, in the longer term, fuel-cell supplies.