Saft Batteries Save Space And Weight On Net
07 February 2005 15:57
Bombardier has installed Saft SRX high power rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery systems to save weight and space on the new NET (Nottingham Express Transit) tram vehicles. A 24V Saft battery is mounted in the roof of each tram to provide reliable, low maintenance, backup power for the 24V DC circuits that control the vehicle braking, doors, lighting, air-conditioning and heating, communications and CCTV systems.
The Nottingham Express Transit Line 1 system runs over a 14km route connecting Nottingham's mainline station with Hucknall in the north and Cinderhill in the west. It consists of four km of new on-street track with 10km of new off-street track running adjacent to an existing Network Rail line. Bombardier has provided a fleet of 15 low-floor trams, each comprising five articulated segments. The second-generation trams are the latest in light rail technology, capable of carrying up to 191 passengers at speeds reaching 80km/h.
The primary role of the 24V onboard battery is to support the tram's control systems. The battery is also required to provide emergency power to maintain passenger comfort and safety in the case of mains power failure.
The low-floor design of the vehicles called for a compact, lightweight battery capable of fitting within the roof. Bombardier's previous experience with Saft SRX batteries on a similar tram system in Nantes, France had proved that they would offer low maintenance and reliability over an extended service life, so the same batteries were installed on the NET vehicles.
Each battery, supplied by Saft in a steel tray, comprises 18 SRX 1300 P (130Ah capacity) cells connected in series to provide a nominal 24V.
For more information on this company:
Saft - Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Mass Transit Applications
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