Product category:
Batteries, chargers and circuit protection
News Release from: EnerSys Motive Power | Subject: Evolution/Lifeplus
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 29 August 2002
Minitram provides green tourism
Hawker Traction's Evolution batteries have been specified for the revolutionary Minitram passenger transit system.
Hawker Traction's Evolution batteries have been specified for the revolutionary Minitram passenger transit system, the first of which has gone into service at Althorp, the family seat of the Earl Spencers and now the most-visited stately home in the UK The Minitram, developed by Warwickshire-based Transport Design International, is a novel concept in public transportation
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 23 Apr 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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It is an ultra-light pollution free electric vehicle delivering the benefits of light rail systems but at a fraction of the cost.
The Minitram will be used at Althorp to shuttle visitors from the car park to the house and grounds, which now includes an award-winning exhibition dedicated to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Evolution batteries were specified for the Minitram because they are totally maintenance-free, environmentally friendly and provide high power storage within compact dimensions.
The Evolution sealed gelled electrolyte battery requires no topping-up throughout its life, and its highly efficient valve-regulated recombination technology reduces gas emissions to an absolute minimum.
This can allow decentralised battery charging, avoiding the heavy investment required to build special vented charging rooms.
Evolution is available in DIN and BS dimensions, and complies with DIN/EN60254 and IEC25402 standards.
Hawker is also supplying its LifePlus high frequency charging system for Althorp's Minitram, installed in the estate's stable block.
LifePlus offers remarkable energy efficiency, enabling the electricity costs for battery charging to be slashed by as much as 30 per cent.
LifePlus provides a full charge to the battery with a low charging factor, making much more cost-effective use of mains power.
As much as 90% of the electricity put through LifePlus goes directly to charging the battery.
With this system, which also minimises the risk of overcharging, charging time can be reduced to as little as eight hours.
With its exceptional energy savings, no maintenance requirements and its decentralised charging facility the Evolution/Lifeplus system can offer a pay back on investment in as little as 24 months.
Speaking at a special pre-season preview, Earl Spencer said the Minitram was brought into operation at Althorp "because of its zero-emissions and environmental friendliness - Minitram is a revolutionary new sustainable transport system".
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