The Austrian state railway ÖBB have put a new frequency converter into operation in Vienna, which increases the efficiency of the traction power supply. The converter, which is controlled remotely from the central control centre in Innsbruck, was installed in 2021 and has now successfully completed its trial operation. The technology switch from converter to inverter will save around 14 GWh of energy per year. The frequency converter converts electricity from the public grid, which has a frequency of 50 Hz, into traction current with a frequency of 16.7 Hz. ÖBB operates a total of seven such frequency converters in Austria. The new converters each have an output of 45 MW and utilise modern power electronics for frequency conversion. The starting operation of the new frequency converter is part of ÖBB's energy strategy. The aim is to increase the level of self-sufficiency in traction current from 60% to 80% and from 11% to 67% for the operating facilities. ÖBB is investing €1.6 billion in this by 2030.
