Great Western Railway (GWR) is leading the way in revolutionizing British railways with its innovative FastCharge technology. Over the past three years, GWR specialists have been working to develop FastCharge, a technology that enables the creation of reliable battery-powered trains that can operate on local lines without the need for diesel engines, thus supporting the future decarbonization of rail services.
The key achievement of this technology is its ability to deliver charging power of up to 2,000 kW, eight times more than Tesla’s Supercharger stations. During the upcoming trials taking place in West Ealing this spring, a train on the Greenford line will be able to recharge in just 3.5 minutes before continuing its journey.
The use of batteries to extend train operating time has been limited by their range, making the widespread adoption of this technology impractical. Another advantage of FastCharge is that it does not require the installation of expensive and visually disruptive overhead power lines.
The results of GWR’s trials could pave the way for battery-powered trains on local lines across the UK. This would enable the British railway industry to achieve the long-term goals set by the government and the entire rail sector: achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Dr. Simon Green, Director of Engineering at GWR, said, “No one has taken on this challenge before, and we are at the forefront of these efforts, helping the Department for Transport and Network Rail understand how to introduce this technology to the British rail network. The combination of battery capabilities and charging technology allows trains to operate on local lines according to the timetable, just like diesel units, while also enabling safe charging and minimal impact on the local energy supply.”
Engineering work on the FastCharge system has involved hundreds of hours of testing to ensure full functionality and sufficient energy for the Greenford line schedule. Depending on the specifics of local lines, this endeavor represents an incredible innovation that could accelerate the phasing out of diesel trains by 2040.
Rob Cairns, Interim Managing Director of Network Rail, stated, “This trial is a significant milestone in sustainable mobility in the UK. Rail is already the most environmentally friendly mode of public transport, and battery-powered trains have the potential to play a crucial role in our pursuit of an environmentally friendly railway, aiming for net-zero by 2050.”
Unlike other charging technologies, FastCharge can be installed between the tracks within a few hours, minimizing disruptions to existing services. It offers an alternative to third-rail systems, which are constantly charged and may be less safe in practice. The train utilizes charging lines via retractable undercarriages, and energy is supplied by two side-mounted batteries similar to domestic-sized accumulators and charged from the grid.
GWR has already conducted simulations on other lines in the Thames Valley area to explore the potential future expansion of this technology. Such an expansion could reduce GWR’s own carbon dioxide emissions by over 1,700 tons per year. There is also hope that with FastCharge technology, battery-powered trains can operate on approximately 3,200 kilometers of local railway lines nationwide.
After 1,500 hours of testing at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre, a GWR Class 230 battery-powered train commenced a series of test runs on the network this week. The tests will take place on the Long Marston – Evesham – Honeybourne – Moreton-in-Marsh route and then to the Reading Train Care Depot before the train is relocated to West Ealing.
In February 2022, GWR signed an agreement with Vivarail to trial the new battery charging technology, aiming to facilitate the introduction of battery-powered trains to the UK rail network. After Vivarail went into administration in December 2022, GWR signed agreements to acquire the intellectual property rights, rolling stock, and equipment associated with FastCharge technology.
Charging lines and side-mounted batteries have been installed at West Ealing station in preparation for the trials on the Greenford line. Once the tests commence, the train will operate alongside regular passenger services.
FAQ:
1. What technology is Great Western Railway (GWR) testing?
– GWR is conducting trials of FastCharge technology, which enables battery-powered trains and eliminates the need for diesel engines.
2. What is the main achievement of this technology?
– The main achievement of FastCharge technology is its ability to deliver charging power of up to 2,000 kW, eight times more than Tesla’s Supercharger stations.
3. How long does it take to recharge the train on the Greenford line?
– During the trials, the train on the Greenford line will recharge in just 3.5 minutes before continuing its journey.
4. What are the advantages of using this technology?
– The use of this technology eliminates the need for expensive and visually disruptive overhead power lines.
5. Can the results of these trials impact British railways?
– Yes, the results of GWR’s trials can pave the way for battery-powered trains on local lines across the UK.
6. What is the long-term goal of the government and the rail industry in the UK?
– The long-term goal of the government and the rail industry is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
7. How can the FastCharge system be installed?
– The FastCharge system can be installed between the tracks within a few hours, minimizing disruptions to existing services.
8. What are the possibilities for the expansion of this technology?
– GWR has conducted simulations on other lines to explore the potential expansion of FastCharge technology, which could reduce carbon dioxide emissions and enable battery-powered trains to operate on approximately 3,200 kilometers of local railway lines nationwide.
9. Where are the test runs of the GWR Class 230 battery-powered train taking place?
– The test runs of the GWR Class 230 battery-powered train are taking place on the Long Marston – Evesham – Honeybourne – Moreton-in-Marsh route, and then to the Reading Train Care Depot before being relocated to West Ealing.
10. What were the consequences of Vivarail’s bankruptcy?
– After Vivarail went into administration, GWR signed agreements to acquire the intellectual property rights, rolling stock, and equipment associated with FastCharge technology.
Definitions:
– FastCharge: A technology that enables battery-powered trains without the need for diesel engines.
– Diesel engines: A type of train propulsion that utilizes the combustion of fossil fuels.
– Sustainable mobility: An approach to transportation that minimizes the negative impact on the environment, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports environmentally friendly solutions.
Links:
– Great Western Railway
– Network Rail
The source of the article is from the blog enp.gr