Hoppecke - Industrial Battery Technology for the Railway Industry

Hoppecke has developed and produced batteries and systems made in Germany since 1927. Since 1983 the company has shipped more than one million FNC® cells to railway clients around the world.

Battery technology for the railway industry

Hoppecke's success is based on the many benefits of FNC technology compared to standard energy storage systems. These include high-cycle stability, no electrolyte changes, low water consumption and lengthy maintenance intervals, which reduce follow-up costs.

All electrodes used in Hoppecke FNC cells for rail applications are manufactured exclusively at a ISO 9001, ISO 14001, IRIS and EN 15085 certified location in Brilon, Germany.

FNC batteries can be recycled more than 3,000 times. This makes them more powerful than any other NiCd technology, exceeding the UIC 854 R directive by a wide margin. Since FNC electrodes can operate without a graphite additive there is no need to change the electrolyte for the product's entire life.

FNC cells recombine into water, a large part of the oxygen and hydrogen gasses which are generated during use. The FNC positive terminal negative electrode packet requires less maintenance than NiCd cells, which recombine only a little, if at all. Maintenance intervals can extend up to two years depending on the electrode, ambient temperature and cycle frequency.

Performance and battery cell types

Hoppecke FNC technology is available in cell types XR, HR, MR and LR.
The currents include:

• X: extra-high discharge current
• H: high discharge current
• M: medium discharge current
• L: low extractable discharge current per DIN EN 60623 and BS 6260

Electrode material optimised for cyclic operation

FNC cells containing the index 'R' and for use in rail applications feature an electrode material optimised for cyclic operation. Hoppecke XR types are used for a diesel starter and emergency brake. This type is for high to very high currents equal to up to 20 times the cells' capacity rating. HR types are suitable for a diesel starter as well as emergency systems.

MR and LR types are designed for auxiliary circuits and emergency systems with a discharge time of 45 minutes to 60 minutes. If a small diesel is to be started when the main load is simultaneously required for the emergency system, MR types may also be used.

FNC cells for rail vehicle applications

The standard FNC line of products for all applications can be used universally in the railway sector. They are available in performance classes L, M, H and X (available with and without an automatic filling system).

The advanced FNC-A line of products has internal recombination, extended service cycles and lower charging voltages. They can be used in the high-current range and for starting applications and are available in performance classes H and X. They offer all of the benefits of FNC technology plus improved charge acceptance, higher energy density, lower water consumption, extended maintenance intervals, extended usable life and compact, sturdy design.

The FNC-A range offers great mechanical stability in all electrochemically active components, a high level of reliability for the entire system and a much longer service life even under the hardest operating conditions.

The compact FNC-C line of products with energy density is ideal for use where space is restricted and charging voltages are lower. The batteries are suitable for all train and mass transport applications calling for maximum performance and capacity. What's more, they are available in performance class M and offer all of the benefits of FNC-A technology. Also, energy density is boosted again at minimum weight.

Monobloc battery with 6V or 12V for the railway sector

The rail.power range features unrivalled battery technology based on the vlies.tec® VRLA battery. Capable of being used universally in the railway sector, the product is available as a monobloc battery with 6V or 12V. Benefits include a guaranteed high cycle lifetime, maximum performance and high safety while the electrolyte is fixed in an AGM vlies material for an almost maintenance-free operation.

Battery supply, installation, maintenance and servicing

Hoppecke supplies, installs and maintains top-quality products that reduce lifetime costs, extend battery life and extend productivity and shift life. It also services all batteries that it supplies as this can add value to the contract and reduce costs significantly. It also works closely with customers to manage the sensitive issue of compliance.