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INDUSTRY FOCUS RAIL
OPTICAL SOLUTION KEEPS RAILWAY
MONITORING ON TRACK
NEW NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE BATTERY SYSTEM FOR RAILWAY VEHICLES IS LAUNCHED
Panasonic Energy has introduced a new nickel-metal hydride battery system for railway vehicles. The modular Ni-MH battery system is engineered to provide an auxiliary power supply for railway vehicles, offering a range of features that sets it apart from traditional systems, the company states. Compact and scalable in design, this
Monitoring forces and accelerations under high voltage in a train’s pantograph structure is vital, as it reduces the risk of damage to the catenary of railway networks. The correct contact between the pantograph and the overhead line is mandatory for efficient train operation. Electric trains establish connection to the catenary via their pantographs. To help, Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) has created a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Pantograph Measurement System. The new system provides safe, continuous,
measurements via its fiber optic and issues instant alerts if a critical condition is detected, which can prevent unexpected delays or system shutdown. The optical sensor is ideal for this task, as the main requirement for overhead line and pantograph monitoring are accurate measurements within a high-voltage level (15 – 25 kV). The optical sensor is a passive element, so its measurement principle is based on light and no active excitation of the sensors is required, which means there’s no interferences with other operations during measurement. The FBG system also ensures compliance with the EN 50317 legal standard for measuring the pantograph contact line interaction, which operators must meet to ensure minimal losses, limited wear and tear, as well as a reduced risk of disruption during the current transmission to the power unit of the vehicle.
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK)
www.hbkworld.com
HARDWARE FOR RAILWAY MANUFACTURE AND MAINTENANCE
For around 15 years, EMKA group has been supplying Newag S.A. – a Polish company specialising in manufacturing and maintaining rail vehicles within Europe – with locking systems, gaskets, and emergency hammers, for use on its trains and trams. These are both standard and custom design products. EMKA offers a wide range of rail-related standard hardware, including
quarter turns, compression latches, multi-point locking systems, hinges, gaskets, and emergency hammers. The key requirements were high durability and reliability of the components under extreme operating conditions and compliance with the safety standards in rail transportation systems. Their close relationship also enabled the engineers at EMKA to adapt and customise as required to suit specific project needs. Various EMKA products have been
52 DESIGN SOLUTIONS OCTOBER 2024
installed in the Newag Group’s trains, including stainless steel compression latches (with ‘square 8’ insertion key), fire protection gaskets and edge protections, emergency hammers with hand protection, and anti-theft brackets. The compression latches for use in rail transport have successfully completed shock and vibration resistant tests compliant with DIN EN 61373. The fire protection gaskets fulfil the current fire protection standards and also withstand the stresses in hazardous areas. An approval process is currently underway
for the new ‘Griffin’ locomotive from Newag, which also uses EMKA’s locking systems and gaskets. This is the first Polish locomotive to reach a speed of 240km/h, meaning a higher load capacity is needed for all components.
EMKA
www.emka.com
allows for flexible mounting on vehicles, and contributes to improved efficiency and performance. Maintenance-free and equipped with a remote monitoring function, the Ni-MH battery system enables easy diagnosis and monitoring, enhancing operational reliability and safety. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for electrolyte refilling, offering a hassle-free solution for railway operators. If desired, the system can also replace an existing battery system running on Nickel Cadmium batteries. As the Ni-MH battery system is not
classified as class 9 dangerous goods, the transportation requirements are less stringent,
which simplifies logistics and operational processes for railroad companies. Notably, the system does not contain environmentally hazardous substances such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), aligning with Panasonic Energy’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The battery system was presented for the
first time at the Innotrans fair, Berlin, at the end of September this year. Oliver Sonnemann, Panasonic Energy Division
head, commented: “We were proud to introduce our advanced Ni-MH battery system for railway vehicles at the Innotrans fair. This system highlights our dedication to developing sustainable and efficient solutions for the transportation industry. We believe it will enhance the performance, safety, and environmental footprint of railway operations."
Panasonic Energy
http://industry.panasonic.eu
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