The existing ABB auxiliary inverter fitted on Melbourne’s Alstom Citadis trams were declared obsolete and unable to be supported by the OEM. To further compound the problem, the units were increasing in failure rates causing ongoing vehicle availability issues.

Working with our power electronic partners Kiepe Electric of Dusseldorf, Germany, we designed a retrofit solution utilising their proven and highly reliable BNU inverter platform which has been installed in the thousands around the world.

Our successful partnership with Kiepe Electric has allowed us to carry out a technology transfer resulting in the local manufacturing of the series production units. We are proud to be able to boast a locally built, world class auxiliary inverter solution built locally in Victoria.

In addition to offering a locally built inverter, our customer’s have the confidence in knowing that any future support, service and maintenance can be carried out locally, rather than sending overseas for costly and timely services.

Key Specifications

• AC Output: 55kVA, 3 phase, 230Vac isolated output
• DC Output: 24Vdc, 350A auxiliary and battery charging output
• Weight: 235kg (around 30% lighter than original)
• Project Quantity: 40 inverters