ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has obtained a contract from Brookville Equipment to supply a complete traction solution for installation on new streetcars that will be delivered to the City of Dallas, Texas.

ABB’s scope of supply includes CC400 traction converters, HEX 30 cooling units, as well as 99 kW AC traction motors. Brookville will deliver the streetcars to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) authority as part of their expansion project to provide improved access for commuters to downtown Dallas. The 1.6-mile streetcar route will link Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighbourhood to Dallas’ Union Station, with four stops on the route. Part of this route will use off-wire technology, reducing the visual pollution of wires.

“We are pleased to deliver an innovative hybrid propulsion system solution – one that can draw power from the DC catenary or alternatively from batteries when off-wire,” says Chris Poynter, Vice President of the Discrete Automation and Motion Division. In fact, the streetcar will operate on battery on part of its route. The City of Dallas will benefit from increased energy efficiencies, while reducing environmental impact.