TOKYO, December 5, 2017 - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it will be the first Japanese company* to supply the French National Railways (SNCF) with prototype traction transformers for the Z2N commuter train operating in Paris and its suburbs and T4 tram trains also operating in the Parisian suburbs. The orders were made possible by Mitsubishi Electric becoming the first Japanese company to be certified by SNCF as a propulsion systems supplier, effective immediately. The traction transformers for the Z2N and T4 will be delivered in February and December of next year, respectively.

* According to Mitsubishi Electric research, as of December 5, 2017

The prototype traction transformer weighs 400kg less than the Z2N's existing product thanks to its aluminum winding cables, yet its conversion efficiency is the same or better than the currently installed equipment. The interface design is identical with that of the existing equipment, so the refurbishing will not require any modification of the train car.

World's first* application of a natural running air cooling type traction transformer on the car roof, leading to a noise reduction of around 13dB by omitting the electric cooling fan, and achieving electricity loss savings of 50 percent compared to the previous equipment resulting in significant energy efficiency improvements. Also, fully hermetic constant-pressure bellows seals will eliminate the need to periodically replace the insulator oil, which will remain in a sealed system and will not deteriorate. As a result, overall maintenance costs will be reduced.

SNCF, in addition to procuring new high-speed and commuter trains, also actively refurbishes its existing train sets. Retaining a car's body and only renewing components as required helps to lower the railway's environmental impact and to make effective use of existing assets. For the refurbishments this time, SNCF requested Mitsubishi Electric to lower the weight of the Z2N's traction transformer and to reduce energy consumption and noise while extending the life of the T4's traction transformer. Mitsubishi Electric was awarded the orders after being certified as an official supplier following SNCF's favorable evaluation of its technological capabilities and long record of developing and producing high-quality traction transformers.

The transformers will be installed and then evaluated over a one-year period. If all goes well, SNCF will establish mass-production specifications for both traction transformers. Mitsubishi Electric aims to receive the mass-production orders from the ensuing tenders for both products.

In addition, Mitsubishi Electric will consider supplying other products to SNCF, one of the biggest rail operators in Europe, as the starting point for expanding its business, including refurbishments, in this market.