Hitachi Rail Develops Innovative Battery Technology for Trains

Hitachi Rail is actively promoting the development of innovative battery technology for trains, as reported by the railway news portal Railway Supply.

In collaboration with the University of Birmingham, DB ESG, Innovate UK, and Turntide Technologies, the company is working on creating a lithium iron phosphate battery that will be lighter and more compact than existing alternatives.

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The main objective of the project is to reduce the weight and size of the batteries, which will improve the operational performance of trains and simplify their maintenance.

The project is valued at £1.4 million, with funding provided by Innovate UK.

The new battery will be 40% smaller and 22% lighter than a standard lithium-ion battery, which is currently being tested on TransPennine Express Class 802 trains.

The lightweight design will reduce the overall weight of the rolling stock, which is especially important for enhancing energy efficiency and lowering operational costs.

DB ESG is responsible for designing the battery casing, ensuring fire safety, and integrating all electronic components.

The University of Birmingham is using simulation to test the battery’s performance on real routes, allowing for precise assessment of its efficiency on challenging rail sections.

The batteries for the test train were manufactured by Turntide Technologies, with trials conducted in Japan.

According to Hitachi Rail representatives, the new battery does not increase the train’s weight, as it weighs the same as a diesel engine.

Additionally, by March 2024, new-generation battery-powered trains, such as the Class 230, are set to be introduced.

One of these trains from Great Western Railway managed to travel 138 km without recharging during trials, setting a new record for the UK.

This achievement highlights the importance of battery technology for the future of rail transport, especially in terms of autonomous operation.

Photo, source: railway-news.com

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