Saft Responds to Global Market Challenge for On-Board Battery System Integrators
13 October 2005 09:15
Saft used the Nordic Rail 2005 exhibition in Sweden to reflect how its rail business continues to evolve to meet the market challenge of the many global customers who rather than seeking a battery supplier prefer to work with on-board battery system integrators. Saft is now established as a global supplier of fully integrated on-board battery systems customised to meet the requirements of OEMs for almost any current or future LRV, metro, EMU, locomotive or high speed rail project.
In recent years, Saft has experienced a significant trend within the OEM supply chain, as OEMs are now seen increasingly as vehicle integrators and providers of after market services. This means that OEMs want to form relationships with a reduced number of partners who are capable of supplying fully integrated systems that are ready to 'plug and play'.
Saft has responded to this challenge by enlarging its scope of supply to fully integrate the onboard power function around its traditional core business, the battery. This has called for the development of expertise in the integration of energy, mechanical and monitoring functions as well as design, manufacturing, project management, qualification to all relevant international standards, logistics and local after sales service. And the growing importance of environmental issues has also demanded a comprehensive recycling service to manage collection and disposal of batteries at the end of their life cycle.
This fully integrated approach enables customers to appoint Saft as a total service provider to take global responsibility for their battery systems, facilitating management of global projects and ensuring that the Saft systems are completely integrated in the supply chain with logistical support for JIT (just in time) delivery.
Simplified Battery Integration
Saft's service simplifies battery integration to the train by taking overall responsibility for the design, manufacture and supply of the entire battery power system supplied complete and ready to fit - including rafts, trays, access mechanisms, water filling systems, isolators, fuses, connectors and battery management control (BMC) systems.
By combining its advanced rechargeable nickel-cadmium rail batteries such as the MATRICS MRX, SRX and SRM series with custom-made containers, Saft can reduce the weight and volume of the total assembly, improving energy efficiency and offering more space for passengers.
Working in close cooperation with the overall rail project team, Saft offers a total design and development service for the production of the optimum integrated battery system including selection of construction materials and locking systems, design of mechanical and electrical interfaces, implementation of a BMC (battery management control) system for monitoring of temperature, voltage and charging conditions and vibration and shock testing to all internationally accepted rail standards. This service is backed up by the capability to meet tight production deadlines, with delivery on a JIT basis, and extensive after sales service including collection and recycling of batteries at the end of their life cycle.
Saft has a large portfolio of rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery products and a wealth of experience in providing battery systems from 24 V up to 110 V for engine starting and back-up power for electric traction as well auxiliary power for emergency lighting, air conditioning, computing systems and door opening controls.
For more information on this company:
Saft - Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Mass Transit Applications
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