Beatrice Lang
Shinkansen, also known as the Japanese Bullet Train, is a high-speed rail system that connects Japan's main islands of Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. With speeds of up to 320 km/h, the Shinkansen is known for its punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency. The system employs an ATC (automatic train control) system and uses a 25 kV AC overhead power supply, making it a pioneer in high-speed rail technology. The first section of the Shinkansen line, between Tokyo and Osaka, was opened in 1964 and has since become a symbol of Japan's technological advancement and commitment to quality and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 25 kV AC overhead power supply (20 kV AC on Mini-Shinkansen lines) |
| Speed | Up to 320 km/h |
| Safety | No fatal accidents in its history |
| Efficiency | Runs at 3-minute intervals without delays |
| Track | Runs through tunnels, including one under the Shimonoseki Strait |
| Earthquake warning system | Always functioned well to stop trains safely |
| Passenger capacity | 1,000+ passengers |
| Seat types | Ordinary, Green Car, and Gran Class |
| Seat arrangement | 3+2, 2+2, and 2+1 |
| Seat reservations | Available for a fee, free for Japan Rail Pass holders |
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What You'll Learn
The Shinkansen is a high-speed, electric multiple unit (EMU) train
The Shinkansen uses a 25 kV AC overhead power supply (20 kV AC on Mini-Shinkansen lines) and is known for its punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency. The system employs an ATC (automatic train control) mechanism, which, along with other hardware and administrative systems, helps ensure that the trains run on time. The trains are also designed with a tilting mechanism to lean into curves at high speed, minimising vibration and providing a smooth ride.
The Shinkansen has a spacious interior, with comfortable, forward-facing seats. The standard 16-car train can carry over 1,300 passengers, with some trains seating up to 1,000 passengers or more. The Shinkansen offers both non-reserved and reserved seating in separate cars, with bilingual signs indicating the type of seating in each car.
The Shinkansen has a strong safety record, with no fatal accidents in its history. The system's earthquake warning systems have been particularly effective, and the trains are designed with a seating airtight body, which also helps to reduce vibration and provide a quiet ride.
The Shinkansen has become a symbol of Japan's high-speed rail expertise, and the country is now working to export not just the technology but also the know-how and expertise accumulated over the years to other nations.
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The train's power supply is 25 kV AC
The Shinkansen, or Japanese bullet train, is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train. It uses a 25 kV AC overhead power supply (20 kV AC on Mini-Shinkansen lines) to overcome the limitations of the 1,500 V direct current used on existing electrified narrow-gauge systems. Power is distributed along the train's axles to reduce axle loads under single power cars.
The choice of 25 kV was related to the efficiency of power transmission as a function of voltage and cost. A higher voltage allows for lower current and improved efficiency, albeit at a greater cost for high-voltage equipment. 25 kV was found to be an optimal point, beyond which efficiency gains would not be significant relative to the higher costs incurred by larger insulators.
The N700 Shinkansen uses a three-level converter to convert 25 kV single-phase AC to 1,520 V AC (via transformer) to 3 kV DC (via phase-controlled rectifier with thyristor) to a maximum of 2,300 V three-phase AC (via a variable voltage, variable frequency inverter using IGBTs with pulse-width modulation) to run the motors. The system works in reverse for regenerative braking.
Railway electrification using 25 kV, 50 Hz AC has become an international standard. The 2 x 25 kV autotransformer system is a split-phase electric power system that supplies 25 kV power to the trains while transmitting power at 50 kV to reduce energy losses. The current is carried between the overhead line and a feeder transmission line instead of the rail.
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![Type 923-3000 [DOCTOR YELLOW] (Shinkansen Inspection Cars) (Add-On 4-Car Set) (Model Train)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1KRppIQSSL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Type 923-3000 [DOCTOR YELLOW] (Shinkansen Inspection Cars) (Basic 3-Car Set) (Model Train)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91NSEyM5eYL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
The Shinkansen has a comprehensive automatic train control (ATC) system
The Shinkansen, also known as the Japanese bullet train, is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train. It has a comprehensive automatic train control (ATC) system, which has been in place since 1964. This system eliminates the need for trackside signals, with centralised traffic control managing all train operations. The ATC system sends AF signals carrying information about the specific track section's speed limit along the track circuit.
The Shinkansen's ATC system uses a 25 kV AC overhead power supply (20 kV AC on Mini-Shinkansen lines) to overcome the limitations of the 1,500 V direct current used on the existing electrified narrow-gauge system. Power is distributed along the train's axles to reduce axle load under single power cars. The AC frequency of the power supply for the Tokaido Shinkansen is 60 Hz.
The ATC system automatically applies the brakes when the train speed exceeds the speed limit. However, it cannot control motor power or the train's stop position when pulling into stations. The automatic train operation (ATO) system can control these aspects, as well as departure from stations and speed between stations, and it has been installed in some subways.
The Shinkansen's ATC system has undergone various developments and implementations. The original Shinkansen, the Tokaido Shinkansen, utilised an analog ATC system until it was replaced by Digital ATC in 2006. This digital system, known as DS-ATC, is also used on Shinkansen lines operated by JR East and the Taiwan High-Speed Rail. Other variations of ATC systems, such as RS-ATC and KS-ATC, are employed on different Shinkansen routes, each offering unique features and capabilities.
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The train's design allows for fast acceleration and deceleration
Shinkansen, colloquially known as the Japanese bullet train, is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan. The trains are electrically powered, using a 25 kV AC overhead power supply (20 kV AC on Mini-Shinkansen lines) and offering fast acceleration and deceleration.
The design of the Shinkansen trains allows for rapid acceleration and deceleration due to several factors. Firstly, the trains utilise electric multiple units (EMUs), which provide greater acceleration compared to other configurations. This is achieved by having a larger proportion of motored axles, allowing the Shinkansen to maintain speed even when stopping frequently. The EMUs also contribute to reduced track damage due to the use of lighter vehicles compared to locomotives or power cars.
The ATC (automatic train control) system employed by the Shinkansen eliminates the need for trackside signals and provides comprehensive automatic train protection. Centralised traffic control manages all train operations, including tasks related to train movement, tracks, stations, and schedules, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
The power distribution system of the Shinkansen also contributes to its fast acceleration. Power is distributed along the train's axles, reducing heavy axle loads under single power cars. This even distribution of power enables the train to accelerate quickly and maintain high speeds.
The design of the Shinkansen trains, including their electric power systems and advanced technology, allows them to achieve fast acceleration and deceleration rates. For example, the Shinkansen E5 can reach a speed of 320 km/h in just 310 seconds (5.17 minutes). This combination of efficient design, advanced technology, and electric power has made the Shinkansen known for its punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency.
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The Shinkansen has a record of zero fatal accidents
Shinkansen, also known as the Japanese bullet train, is a network of high-speed train lines that connect Tokyo with most of the country's major cities. It is operated by Japan Railways (JR) and runs at speeds of up to 320 km/h. The train is known for its punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency. In fact, the Shinkansen has a record of zero fatal accidents in its history, aside from one incident in 1995 where a passenger was fatally injured at Mishima Station.
The Shinkansen employs an ATC (automatic train control) system, eliminating the need for trackside signals. It uses a comprehensive system of automatic train protection, with centralized traffic control managing all train operations. All tasks related to train movement, tracks, stations, and schedules are networked and computerized.
Shinkansen uses a 25 kV AC overhead power supply (20 kV AC on Mini-Shinkansen lines) to overcome the limitations of the 1,500 V direct current used on narrower-gauge systems. Power is distributed along the train's axles to reduce heavy axle loads under single power cars. The use of electric multiple units (EMUs) allows for fast acceleration and deceleration, and the lighter vehicles result in reduced damage to the tracks compared to locomotives or power cars.
The Shinkansen network consists of multiple lines, with the Tokaido Shinkansen (connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka) being the oldest and most popular. All Shinkansen lines, except the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen, run on tracks exclusively built for and used by Shinkansen trains.
The train offers both non-reserved and reserved seating in separate cars, with bilingual signs indicating the type of seating in each car. The seating arrangements vary, with ordinary seats generally comfortable and offering generous foot space, while Green Cars offer more space and comfort, comparable to business class on airplanes. Gran Class, available on select routes, provides even more spacious and comfortable seats, along with additional amenities and services.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Shinkansen is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train that uses a 25 kV AC overhead power supply.
The Shinkansen, also known as the Japanese bullet train, can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h.
The first section of the Shinkansen line opened in 1964, just before the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games.
The Shinkansen is known for its punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency. It has a record of zero fatal passenger accidents and offers a smooth and quiet ride with spacious seating.
The name Shinkansen translates to "new trunk line" and was first used in 1940 for a proposed standard-gauge passenger and freight line. The term bullet train was later adopted due to the train's high speed and aerodynamic design.
