ALSTOM specifies Saft batteries to provide on-board back-up power for new metro trains in China:
ALSTOM Valenciennes - France and Saft operations in France, China and Singapore are cooperating in an international project to supply on-board batteries for the Nanjing Metro, Phase 1, North-South Line trains. Four batteries, each comprising 84 of Saft's new generation MATRICS MRX (MAss Transit Rail Integrated Compact battery System) rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries mounted in custom-designed sliding trays, will be installed below the floor of each six-car metro train.
The batteries are for the 20 metro trains currently under construction for Phase 1, the North-South Line, of the Nanjing Metro in the People's Republic of China. Four 110 V batteries, each comprising MRX cells in custom-designed sliding trays, will be installed below the floor of each six-car metro train to provide back-up power for safety and auxiliary circuits.
About the rail line and contract:
Located 300 km west of Shanghai, Nanjing is the capital of the Jiangsu province. With a population of over five million people, it is the second largest business centre in East China, after Shanghai. The 16.8 km Phase 1 of the new Metro will run north-south across the city centre. Eight of the 13 stations and 10.2 km of the route will be underground. The line is due to enter service in 2006.
ALSTOM, working in partnership with Nanjing Puzhen Rolling Stock Works, was awarded the Euros 160 million contract for the 20 Phase 1 metro trains by the Nanjing Metro Company Ltd. They will be based on technology from ALSTOM's Metropolis product range utilising Onix traction, which will be produced in China by ALSTOM's joint venture, SATEE Company, located in Shanghai.
For each six-car metro train, Saft is supplying a battery comprising 84 MRX 130 cells (nominal capacity 130 Ah). The cells are mounted in custom-designed sliding trays, complete with connectors and a centralised water filling system.
For the train operator, Nanjing Metro Company Ltd, the MATRICS MRX integrated water filling system is important. This simple-to-use feature fills all the cells from one central point and substantially reduces the battery maintenance requirements by enabling cells to be topped-up quickly, safely and accurately, maximising the battery's useful life.
Should the main power supply be interrupted the on-board battery will provide 110 V emergency back-up power for safety and auxiliary electrical systems including emergency lighting, signalling, communications, door control, drive and brake control.
MATRICS MRX background:
Saft developed the MATRICS MRX battery in response to customers seeking even smaller, lighter battery packages optimised for maximum performance, reduced maintenance and low life cycle cost. It provides the low maintenance and long service life benefits of sintered/pbe technology within a slim, light-weight block battery package, housed in a flame retardant polypropylene case, which shows a 40% size and volume advantage compared with conventional batteries.
Saft MATRICS MRX batteries are available in blocks of three to 10 cells, running in parallel or series, with rated capacities from 70 Ah up to 260 Ah. For customers wishing to further enhance the compact size and weight advantages of MATRICS MRX batteries, Saft is able to supply fully integrated, turn-key battery systems in bespoke trays or battery boxes.
Contact: Ginette Kergoat
Saft Industrial Battery Group
Tel: +33 1 49 93 17 69
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.saftbatteries.com