Innovations GreenWire: High tech lab brings hybrid train technology a step closer
West Midlands Rail Cluster
7th June 2010
Over 50 international rail experts, from 14 different countries, recently attended the launch of a world-leading laboratory, designed to test hybrid train technology and accelerate its integration into the UK rail network.
The new £600,000 Energy Systems Integration Laboratory (ESIL) at the University of Birmingham, which incorporates a Machine Rig and Dynamometer (£300,000) and a Powercycler (£150,000), will test hybrid drive-trains and evaluate the performance of electric storage devices.
Speaking at the event Dr Clive Roberts, joint head of ESIL Research at the University of Birmingham, said: "With the launch of this new laboratory the West Midlands now has one of the most advanced testing facilities for rail technology globally. The facility allows the team here to conduct full simulation and testing on hybrid drive-train systems that could ultimately deliver a step change in the way the UK rail industry addresses its energy needs.
Among the delegates was Koji Agatsuma, project manager at Hitachi Europe. He said: "In Japan the majority of main lines are fully electrified, with only a few rural routes still using diesel trains. The implementation of hybrid systems in the UK could save the rail industry millions of pounds and provide an important step towards full electrification."
Additionally Jean-Paul Moskowitz, Energy Management programme manager for Alstom, added: "Collaborations between universities and industry can be extremely beneficial for both organisations. The simulation and testing facilities at this site provide train companies with an invaluable research and development tool that will, in time, yield significant commercial benefits for the industry."
The new laboratory is part of the £10.5 million Energy Efficiency and Demand project, funded by Advantage West Midlands (AWM) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Mike Clarke, Rail Cluster manager at AWM, said: "The ESIL project is part of a number of initiatives designed to support the rail industry in the West Midlands.
"The region has a proud tradition of advanced engineering expertise in the rail sector
and, with upcoming high profile developments like the new high speed rail link from London to Birmingham, we need to ensure West Midlands companies and universities are in the best possible position to take advantage of commercial opportunities."
Current projects at ESIL include characterisation of railway vehicle duty cycles for hybrid drive-trains, performance characterisation of DC/DC power converters and high resolution data capture of railway power network and vehicle characteristics.
