Tokyo Metro 15000 series

The Tokyo Metro 15000 series is a Japanese city commuter electric multiple unit operated by Tokyo Metro since May 2010. 
==History==
The 15000 series was conceived in 2010 as a new generation train that would help ease the problems of congestion on the Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line after the company studied the average stopping time of trains at stations on the line.
The first set, ten-car set 51, was delivered from Hitachi's Kasado Plant in February 2010 and entered service in May 2010; more sets were later built and put into service progressively. The 15000 series sets were the first trains ordered by Tokyo Metro to have wider doors to help ease congestion, with the doors being 500 mm (20 in) wider than other sets. Three more sets were built in 2017 as part of Tokyo Metro's modernization plan.
In addition to being used on the Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line, the sets are also used for through-running through to and from the JR Chūō and Sōbu Main Line and the Tōyō Rapid Railway Line. All sets are in service and are based at Fukugawa Depot.
==Design==
The 15000 series use a fairly modern design for the time with an unpainted body made of an extruded aluminum alloy. The design is heavily based on the 05N series sets.
==Specifications==
Construction is of double-skinned aluminum alloy based on the Hitachi A-Train concept. End cars are 20.52 meters long, 2.8 meters wide and 4.022 meters high. The sets use Mitsubishi two-level insulated gate bipolar transistor variable frequency drives with "intelligent power modules" which produce a hissing sound. Car 15506 of set 56 has an experimental Mitsubishi IGBT drive which powers permanent magnetic synchronous motors since at least end-2010; the drive produces a very unique cadence.
The sets were the first Tokyo Metro trains to use full-color LED screens as destination indicators. The trains use high-intensity discharge headlights. Of note was that the use of PMSM motors was considered for the 15000 series sets based on tests conducted with the 01 series sets conducted since at least fall 2007, but due to the practical applications of the PMSM motors not being considered in time for the production of the sets, the trains were constructed with normal IGBT motors.
==References==
*Wikipedia.org
Category:Hitachi locomotives
Category:Tokyo Metro trains
Category:Electric trainsets