JR East, which developed 209 series commuter trains and E217 series suburban
trains, developed E231 series which unified them. E231 series differ from
209 series or E217 series in having some improvements. Due to wiring reduction,
E231 series adopt TIMS (Train Information Management System), which improved
the conventional monitor equipment. TIMS manages braking control and traction
motors control except controls of announcement, air conditioners, and monitoring
equipment.
The vehicle design incorporates light stainless steel construction and
wide bodies such as 209-500 series and E217 series. The floor level was
reduced to 1165mm compared to 1180mm on 209 series to reduce the difference
in level between the platform and the floor level. 4 doors are located
at either side of the body. The especially crowded vehicle has 6 doors.
Bogies are DT61G/TR246M that is same as that of 209 series.
Passenger accommodation is cantilever type longitudinal seating. Seating on the vehicles equipped with 6 doors can be folded. All Windows located between doors can be opened. E231-0 series adopt heat ray absorption windowpanes so blinds are discontinued. Door operating equipment is driven by the electricity. The air conditioner is AU726 rated at 50,000kcal/h for SahaE230, and AU725 rated at 42,000kcal for the others.
Improved traction motors, MT73, rated at 95 kw each give same acceleration
performance as 209 series and a maximum service speed of 120km/h. AVAF
3-level inverter traction system adopt IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor).
E231-0 features the electric commanding brake with regenerative brake.
Commands of service braking are carried by TIMS. Braking on formation basis
by TIMS realizes regeneration rate improvement. Current collectors are
single-arm type.
E231-0 series had been built and employed on the ordinary services of the
Sobu Line. Then JR East delivered them to the rapid services of Joban Line.
The AVAF traction system was changed into SC60B featuring the practical
use of regenerative brake. |
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