Phelps, N.Y. (USA) – Bear Power Supplies (Bear), a business unit of Z-AXIS Inc., has received a purchase order to develop an energy-efficient power supply for the railroad industry. This low-voltage power supply will feature a custom design that can withstand large power surges, vibrations from moving trains, and environmental conditions. This is the third custom power supply that Bear has designed and made for the railroad industry, which requires robust and reliable performance to ensure passenger safety.
“Bear is not new to the railroad industry,” said Michael Allen, President at Z-AXIS. “For trackside applications, reliability is especially important – and Bear welcomes the opportunity to design and manufacture custom solutions.”
Trackside Power Supply Will Overcome Multiple Challenges
The trackside power supply that Bear will design must last for 25+ years under demanding conditions, including power surges. That’s because when a moving train slows down, its regenerative braking system produces a significant amount of power. Bear’s trackside power supply must withstand power surges up to 3 kilovolts (3 kV) for as long as 20 milliseconds (msec). Most power supplies are built to withstand lower kilovoltages and for shorter durations measured in microseconds.
Bear’s 13.4 KW product will have eight outputs, each for 48 volts (V) and 35 amps (A). Lower voltages like this are safer for maintenance personnel who may accidentally come in contact with them. They also support the use of lower-voltage technologies for reduced energy usage. The power supply that Bear is designing must also withstand vibrations from moving trains. Taller components are especially susceptible to vibrations, which is why Bear is incorporating mechanical fasteners. Because they are outdoor units, these power supplies will also withstand a range of temperatures.
About Z-AXIS and Bear Power Supplies
Z-AXIS, Inc. provides quality design, prototyping and manufacturing services for complex electronic products and electromechanical assemblies. We offer fast design turnaround, competitive NRE charges, rapid production and low freight costs from our ISO 9001:2015 certified design and manufacturing facility near Rochester, NY. Bear Power Supplies is a business unit of Z-AXIS and makes standard power supplies and custom power supplies for industrial, medical, and other demanding applications.