Saft Nickel-Cadmium Batteries Replace Lead-Acid Batteries on SNCF’s TGV Duplex Fleet
09 October 2007 11:27
SNCF has switched to Saft MATRICS (MAss Transit Rail Integrated Compact battery System) MRX rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries to replace the on-board lead-acid batteries on its 300 km/h TGV Duplex passenger coaches. This includes four new trainsets, built by Alstom, that entered service in 2006, as well as 24 existing trainsets.
The key factor that persuaded SNCF to make the change from lead-acid batteries was a detailed Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis that factored in performance, reliability and maintenance and replacement costs. This made it clear that, after only four years, the Saft Ni-Cd batteries would provide a more reliable and cost-effective alternative due to their longer, predictable service-life (15 to 20 years) and the need for less maintenance.
SNCF's Duplex trainsets comprise two power cars and eight double-decker passenger coaches, and run mainly on the TGV Mediterranean line between Paris and Marseille. A bespoke 72V battery system, comprising 54 Saft MRX 230 cells, is installed below the floor of each passenger coach to provide up to two hours of emergency back-up power for safety and auxiliary circuits.
For more information on this company:
Saft - Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Mass Transit Applications
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