BHEL develops breakthrough indigenous technology for Railways

In a major technological breakthrough, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully developed a state-of-the-art regeneration system through in-house research and development efforts for Indian Railways' fleet of conventional electric locomotives.

The country's first such regenerative 5000 HP WAG-7 electric locomotive was flagged-off by Ghanshyam Singh, Member Traction and Ex-Officio Secretary at the Ministry of Railways, in the presence of BHEL Chairman and Managing Director Atul Sobti.

Directors on the board of BHEL and senior officials from Indian Railways were also present on this occasion at the company's Jhansi plant, said the company in a statement issued on Friday.

The idea of developing the energy efficient regeneration system was mooted by Indian Railways and BHEL responded to it by successfully developing the technology in-house, giving an impetus to the 'Make in India' initiative. With this, a new line of business has opened for BHEL and the company has expanded its footprint in the transportation sector.

At present, Indian Railways' electric locomotives have a dynamic braking system where the energy generated during application of brakes gets wasted in the form of heat. BHEL has developed a system introducing the regenerative braking concept in these locomotives, that will feed the energy back to the overhead power lines.

This will result in significant saving in energy consumption. BHEL is the first organisation to successfully demonstrate the concept of regenerative braking system for DC traction motor driven conventional electric locomotives.

BHEL has embarked upon a transformation journey for 'Creating a BHEL of Tomorrow' and is pursuing various diversification initiatives for increasing non-coal business.

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