Product category:
Batteries, chargers and circuit protection
News Release from: Saft Industrial Batteries
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 May 2002
Integrated battery systems for new SNCF
AGC train
Bombardier Transportation Sweden has chosen a fully integrated battery system based on Saft's new generation Matrics MRX rechargeable NiCd batteries for 192 new regional express trains.
Bombardier Transportation Sweden (Propulsion and Controls) has chosen a fully integrated battery system based on Saft's new generation Matrics (mass transit integrated compact rail system) MRX rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries for 192 regional express trains (TER) type AGC (Autorail Grand? Capacite) currently under construction for SNCF, France The integrated battery system, which comprises two 72V batteries of 115 or 130Ah capacities, will be fitted within the roof of each three or four car unit to provide back-up electrical power for safety and auxiliary circuits
Bombardier's high-capacity AGC train is available in numerous versions and its seating capacity can range from 160 to 220 seats, depending on the number of cars.
The trains will travel at a maximum speed of 160km/h and can run on either diesel, electricity or a combination of the two.
Thanks to its articulated architecture, the AGC features wide carbodies and inter-circulation gangways, as well as a continuous low floor, providing excellent access and greater comfort, visibility and security for passengers.
The AGC trains will start delivery to the French Regions in the first quarter of 2004 at a rate that will gradually reach eight trains per month.
The overall contract with SNCF is for 500 trains for around Eur 1.65 billion and the initial firm part of the contract involves 192 trains for a total of around Eur 700 million, The AGC order is the largest so far for the Saft Matrics MRX battery, launched for 2002, which has been developed in response to customers seeking even smaller, lighter battery packages optimised for maximum performance, reduced maintenance and low life cycle cost.
It provides the low maintenance and long service life benefits of sintered/pbe technology within a slim, light-weight block battery package, housed in a flame retardant polypropylene case, which shows a 40% size and volume advantage compared with conventional batteries.
Saft has helped Bombardier to take maximum advantage of the weight and space saving capacity of the Matrics MRX batteries by taking complete responsibility for the design, manufacture and supply of an integrated battery assembly for the AGC, fully vibration and shock tested to the appropriate rail standards.
This system houses the two 72V batteries in a bespoke tray, complete with connectors, isolators, fuses and centralised filling system, designed to make optimum use of the restricted space available within the train roof.
For the train operators, the Matrics MRX integrated water filling system is important.
This simple to use feature fills all the cells from one central point and substantially reduces the battery maintenance requirements by enabling cells to be topped-up quickly, safely and accurately, maximising the battery's useful life.
The batteries on the AGC trains will provide back-up power to activate the computer, driving unit, the IGBT in the converter and for the lighting when the main power supply is temporarily interrupted.
During an emergency the battery will supply power for the brakes, lights, door opening, fans and communications system.
Each of the integrated Matrics battery systems being supplied to Bombardier Transportation comprise 58 MRX 115 cells (rated capacity of 115Ah) and 58 MRX 130 cells (rated capacity of 130Ah), both with a 72V nominal voltage.
Saft Matrics MRX batteries are available in blocks of three to 10 cells, running in parallel or series, with rated capacities from 70 to 260Ah.
For customers wishing to further enhance the compact size and weight advantages of Matrics MRX batteries, Saft is able to supply fully integrated, turnkey battery systems in bespoke trays or battery boxes. Request free introductory details about products from Saft Industrial Batteries ...
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