Vivarail fast charging system demo at Rail Live
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VIVARAIL is to use Rail Live to showcase its new fast charging system, developed to replenish its battery-powered D-Train.
The company says the system can recharge a Class 230 in minutes.
“The idea is that charging infrastructure would be placed at termini, and the train would recharge during the turnaround time,” Vivarail’s Head of Marketing Alice Gillman told RAIL.
“There are so many branch lines across the country where you have layovers at each end. You might need a charging point at each end, but this could maintain the existing timetable on everyone that we’ve looked at. The train can now run 60 miles between charges.”
Vivarail’s recharging apparatus includes sections of third and fourth rail, with train-mounted shoe gear made of carbon ceramic in order to withstand the heat generated by a rapid drawing of electric current.
As an alternative to the charging apparatus, Vivarail says the battery D-Train could also be recharged from 25 kV overhead wires, assuming the set were to be fitted with a pantograph.
Converted from former London Underground ‘D78’ vehicles, the Class 230s are intended as low-cost, low-maintenance rolling stock available in different versions.
Three diesel-powered sets are now at Bletchley for Marston Vale Line. Services.
Confirmation by Vivarail that it would bring its battery-powered train and fast charging gear adds to the announcement by Porterbrook and the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education that the June event will be used to display the UK’s first full-sized hydrogen train - ‘HydroFLEX’ (RAIL 874). The industry event, the only exhibition to bring together the entire industry in a real railway environment, is also to feature speakers including Network Rail stock,
Last year’s event included live demonstrations by organisations including the British Transport Police, as well as a direct train to the show from London Paddington. In addition to rolling stock, Rail Live includes displays of a range of plant. Around 6,000 people are expected to visit in 2019.
When? 19–20 June 2019
Where? Quinton Rail Technology Centre, Warwickshire
Entry? Free! Secure your complimentary pass here
Details? Find out more here
