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Saft batteries catch train in Stockholm

A Saft Industrial Batteries product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 5, 2005

Alstom to use Saft Matrics MRX NiCd rechargeable batteries for commuter trains entering service in Stockholm.

Alstom has selected fully integrated battery systems, based on the Saft Matrics mass transit rail integrated compact battery system.

The MRX rechargeable NiCd batteries are for the 55-strong fleet of Coradia Lirex EMU commuter trains now entering service for Stockholm Transport (SL).

Two battery systems, each comprising two 110V, 230Ah capacity batteries, are mounted in the roof of each six-car train to provide up to two hours of back-up power for safety and auxiliary circuits The Coradia Lirex trains, built by Alstom in Salzgitter, Germany, have been designed to suit the unique conditions of Stockholm commuter traffic.

SL's requirements included fast acceleration levels (stations are close to one another), numerous wide doors, a low floor for increased accessibility, and the capability to function safely and reliably in extremely variable weather conditions.

All the traction equipment, as well as heating and ventilation systems and the onboard batteries, are roof-mounted.

This configuration makes more passenger space available as well as allowing for a continuous low floor.

It is also well suited to rigorous Swedish winters as it reduces the ingress of snow and makes the equipment easily accessible for maintenance.

Reliability is a vital factor for all the train systems as headways (gaps between trains) in the centre of Stockholm are less than 10 minutes at peak time, so any failures could prove extremely disruptive to services.

Saft developed a bespoke battery system to make the best use of the available roof-space.

This included taking complete responsibility for the design, manufacture and supply of a stainless steel battery box, fully vibration and shock tested to the appropriate rail standards.

The box houses 78 MRX 230 cells in series, divided between two compartments, complete with connectors, on-off switch, isolators, contactor, fuses, temperature sensor and centralised filling system.

The MRX battery uses sintered PBE technology within a slim, light-weight block battery package, housed in a flame retardant polypropylene case.

The integrated water filling system fills all the cells from one central point and reduces the battery maintenance requirements by letting cells be topped-up quickly, safely and accurately.

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

Saft can supply fully integrated, turn-key battery systems in bespoke trays or battery boxes.

Find out more about this article. Request a brochure, download technical specifications and request samples here.

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