Rail battery systems keep the power on for new Stansted Express Electrostar trains
The contract for Bombardier Transportation builds on the success of the identical Saft battery systems installed on the Class 378 Electrostars currently operating on London’s overground routes. Bombardier Transportation’s Derby factory in the UK is delivering a total of 30 four-car Class 379 trainsets.
Saft has supplied a total of 60 battery systems to Bombardier Transportation as turnkey, installation-ready, packages, assembled in rafts complete with control equipment and interfaces to communicate with the train systems. Two 96 V battery systems, each comprising 74 of Saft’s specialized nickel-based MATRICS MRX90 cells, with a nominal capacity of 90 Ah, are installed below the floor of each trainset.
In the event of an interruption to the main overhead catenary supply, the Saft battery systems will power auxiliary services, such as raising the pantograph as well as maintaining the continuity of lighting, air conditioning, door operation and communication systems. The level of autonomy provided by the batteries will vary according to the specific function: 90 minutes for main lighting; 60 minutes for standby lighting, traction and CCTV systems; 180 minutes for ‘non-switched’ functions such as door opening and closing.
MRX specialized rail batteries Saft MATRICS MRX batteries aresuitable for this type of rapid transit application as they have been purpose-designed to deliver maximum performance, reliability, low TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and an integrated water filling system. They provide the low maintenance and long service life benefits of sintered/PBE technology within a slim, light-weight block battery package that shows a major size and volume advantage compared with conventional batteries.
The MATRICS MRX design is reliable, has predictable linear ageing characteristics and does not fail to open circuit at the end of its life, even in extreme temperatures ranging from -30 to +70°C. The ‘sudden death’ phenomenon can affect other battery technologies.
The Saft MRX batteries also provide additional benefits for Bombardier Transportation in terms of optimized TCO thanks both to the long service life of at least 15 years (up to four times longer than Gel VRLA batteries) in this application, combined with ease of maintenance. In particular, the unique integrated water filling system enables the cells to be topped up in-situ within the battery compartment – an operation required only at two year intervals – minimizing maintenance time and disruption.
Visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com.
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