Chicago – IL, January 22nd 2008 - Last week, on January 17th 2008, Strukton Systems and Converteam Canada Inc completed the modernisation of 15 trains for O’Hare Airport Transit System (OATS) in Chicago, US. They were awarded the order to upgrade the propulsion system of the automatically operated VAL trains in March 2006. The project was successfully completed in January of this year.

The trains have been in extensive service at Chicago Airport since 1992. Main reason to upgrade the propulsion system was the gradually deteriorating reliability, in combination with component obsolescence. Increased maintenance costs and affected passenger services would have been the result if no effort was made to modernise the system. The solution now implemented consists of a modern IGBT chopper that replaces the original thyristor chopper. Integration of existing, not affected components, has been extended to a maximum, resulting in a cost effective solution. In addition, new control electronics incorporated modern maintenance and diagnostic tools.

Strukton Systems was responsible for the design of the new equipment, including a factory test in combination with the original motor. The series production has been executed by Converteam in Ontario – Canada. Converteam also acts as the local service provider. The actual conversion process has been executed in the OATS maintenance workshop in Chicago. The smart design resulted in an absolute minimum vehicle turn around time. In June 2007 the first modernised vehicle was subject to an extensive testing program, with successful acceptance tests in October of the same year. This was followed by series production and training of the OATS maintenance staff.

Strukton and Converteam were proud to receive positive feedback from the customer with respect to the performance of the new equipment, which is regarded as superior to the old system. Both contractors are thankful for the extremely pleasant cooperation with OATS staff. They specifically thank Mr. Raj Rambhajan and Mr. Larry Grandy for their support during the execution of this project.

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