Siemens Specifies Saft Batteries for Nuremberg Rubin Metro System
01 August 2005 10:05
Siemens AG TS of Germany has specified Saft MATRICS (MAss Transit Rail Integrated Compact battery System) MRX rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries to save around 90 kg of weight on the 30 new two-car units currently under construction for VAG's 'Rubin' driverless metro system in Nuremberg. One 110 V battery, comprising 80 MRX cells in two customised trays, will be mounted beneath the floor of each two-car unit to provide back-up power for safety and auxiliary circuits.
The 'Rubin' project will be the first driverless, fully automated, metro system in Germany and among the first in Europe. Siemens has been awarded a contract to equip Nuremberg's U3 metro line, currently under construction, with automation systems by the year 2006 and to convert the existing U2 line for fully automatic operation by the year 2007. In addition, 30 two-car units will by delivered to VAG for the driverless, fully automatic system. Unique throughout the world, it will be used during the introductory phase for mixed automatic and conventional operations on a section of track used by both lines.
In addition to the reliability essential for a driverless system, the weight of the on-board battery was a key factor for Siemens. The weight and space saving capability of the MATRICS MRX has enabled Saft to reduce the battery weight by 90 kg compared with conventional nickel-cadmium cells, a saving of 18 percent.
For each two-car unit Saft is supplying a battery comprising 80 MRX cells (nominal capacity 100 Ah). The cells are arranged into two bespoke stainless steel trays of 40 cells complete with connectors, temperature switch and a centralised water filling system. The trays, which will be delivered fully assembled and vibration and shock tested to the appropriate rail standards, feature a rollout system for mounting within Siemens' underfloor container, this enables them to be simply unlocked and rolled out for inspection and maintenance.
For VAG, the train operator, 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.
Should the main power supply be interrupted the on-board battery will provide 110 V emergency back-up power for safety and auxiliary electrical systems including emergency lighting, signalling, communications, door control, drive and brake control and the ATC (Automatic Train Control) system. It is capable of providing full load for 10 minutes and a reduced load for up to 24 hours.
For more information on this company:
Saft - Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Mass Transit Applications
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