Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has received the 2025 R&D 100 Award from R&D World magazine for its synchronous reluctance motor and inverter traction system (SynTRACS) developed for railcars. This recognition marks the company’s 28th R&D 100 Award.
The SynTRACS system uses a synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) that eliminates the need for permanent magnets and rare earth materials, making it more energy- and resource-efficient. Controlled by an inverter, the system achieved an 18% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional high-efficiency induction motor systems during railcar testing.
Introduced in 2020, Mitsubishi Electric’s inverter control technology for SynRMs enables a maximum output of 450kW while cutting power loss by 50%. The SynTRACS system entered commercial production in fiscal 2025 and has been well received in the railway industry for advancing sustainability goals.
Mitsubishi Electric aims to continue using its expertise to develop next-generation motor systems that further enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact in rail transport.
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