Mass transit batteries feature in new Danish train

AnsaldoBreda has specified Matrics MRX rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries for 83 IC4 intercity diesel multiple unit trains currently under construction for the Danish state railway.

AnsaldoBreda, the Italian train manufacturer, has specified Saft's new generation Matrics (mass transit and rail integrated compact system) MRX rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries for 83 IC4 intercity DMU (diesel multiple unit) trains currently under construction for DSB, the Danish state railway.

A 24V Saft battery will be mounted under the floor of each unit in the four-car train set to provide emergency backup power for safety and auxiliary circuits as well as onboard power for diesel engine starting in even the most severe ambient temperature conditions.

DSB is purchasing the new IC4 intercity trains, which will be delivered between 2004 to 2006, as part of its "Good Trains for All" programme.

The IC4 design, developed in conjunction with Pininfarina, emphasises reduced travelling times, high passenger comfort, high reliability, low life cycle cost and low environmental impact.

Each train consists of four articulated cars, 86m long, able to operate in multiple units of up to five trains, and capable of carrying 208 passengers at a maximum speed of 200km/h.

The Saft Matrics MRX battery, launched in 2002, has been developed in response to customers such as AnsaldoBreda who were seeking even smaller, lighter batteries 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, lightweight block battery package, housed in a flame retardant polypropylene case, which shows a 40% size and volume advantage compared with conventional Ni-Cd batteries, and considerably more compared with lead-acid batteries.

The Matrics MRX design is also extremely reliable and will not suffer the 'sudden death' which can affect lead-acid batteries, even in extreme temperatures ranging from -30 to +70C.

For DSB, the Matrics MRX centralised water filling system is important.

This simple to use feature fills all the cells in sequence from one central point - without any moving parts - 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 24V batteries for the IC4 trains will be mounted underfloor in special battery trays manufactured by AnsaldoBreda.

Each of the two motor coaches will be equipped with a battery comprising two parallel strings of 19 Saft Matrics MRX 180 cells, which will provide a total battery capacity of 360Ah.

The two trailer coaches will each be fitted with a battery comprising 19 Saft Matrics MRX 230 cells with a total capacity of 230Ah.

Saft Matrics MRX batteries are available in blocks of three to 10 cells, running in series or parallel, with unit rated capacities from 70 to 260Ah.

Higher capacity batteries can be realised with two or more parallel strings.

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.

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