Large, electrically-powered vehicles use heavy-duty power resistors for many applications. Vehicles such as freight and passenger train locomotives heavy- and light-rail passenger cars, subway passenger cars, and earth- moving trucks rely on resistors for dynamic braking as well as capacitor management and snubbers.

Today's dynamic braking resistors are light weight, very compact, and feature low inductance. These units are capable of reliable operation with very little maintenance at very high temperatures in dirty, outdoor environments.

Light- and heavy-rail passenger vehicles are usually subject to frequent stops and starts. Their braking resistor must bear up under fast repeat cycles and occasional overload due to emergency stops and prolonged holding braking.

FSP offers a broad line of dynamic braking resistors designed specifically for electric-powered vehicles. These resistors dissipate very high power with great durability and are designed to withstand severe conditions of rain, snow, dirt, dust, shock, and vibration. The stainless steel structure is durable, yet light weight and compact to meet your space and weight requirements.

Each resistor is uniquely designed to meet the customer's requirements and the requirements of IEC 322, including shock and vibration standards and thermal testing procedures. These packages meet any voltage or current rating requirements, typically handling peak currents up to 750 amps and power ratings up to 750 kilowatts. Such a resistor package would be suitable for heavy rail vehicles that travel at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

Modern traction-motor packages often use capacitors in the motor control circuitry. Capacitor management is a key element in extending the life of these capacitors. Reliable, custom-designed charging, discharging, and sharing resistors are required for this important task. Fortress offers a broad range of resistor types that can be used to provide a cost effective custom unit to meet your exact needs and the requirements of IEC 322.