TRANSPORT

24/04/2010

Evolution of technologies on modern tramways

Pascal DUPOND

Why a green approach to rail saves operators and cities money?

Reducing the environmental impact of the trains from production to recycling

98% of easily recyclable materials

Less energy consumption: implemented in all our product range

Commitment on sustainable mobility, thanks to new technologies

• Reduction of energy consumption

−Use of composite materials

− Improvement of the traction systems’ efficiency

−Reduction of the weight

−energy consumption down by 10%

− in terms of Kwh/passenger, a modern tramway is four times more economical than a bus, and ten times more than a car

Commitment on sustainable mobility, thanks to new technologies

Less noise and vibration emissions

Energy saving solutions

Less particles emissions

Development of new technologies: focus on power supply

Traditional Power collection is via an Overhead Contact Wire (OCW), which necessitates a dedicated unsightly infrastructure.

Removal ofUrban Clutter

Cities with historic center and buildings wanted an alternative to the OCW to eliminate the “clutter” created by the tram infrastructure.

Why alternative power supply solutions?

• Preserve urban environment• To facilitate access in narrow streets, facade renovation, …

Development of new technologies: focus on power supply

Two main types of Alternate Solutions were developed :

Full performance solutions (Alternate Power Supply or APS) :

Rely on a wayside infrastructure to provide power to the vehicle Need an interface between the vehicle and the wayside

Limited performances solutions (On Board Energy Storage Systems or OBESS) that mix :

A standard or alternate full performance infrastructure and One or more dedicated on-board energy storage system(s)

Development of new technologies: focus on power supply

Impact on the landscape, thanks to new technologies

1 - Ground level power supply via a 3rd rail embedded in the tracks (APS)

Segmented street-level power rail Conductive segments Switched off-on-

off as tram progresses Safety rule: Conductive segments

energized under tram only. Safety rule consequence: All segments

outside tram at 0 Vcc

Development of new technologies: APS

Development of new technologies: APS in Bordeaux

Facilitates road crossings and emergency service access

Facilitates maintenance of city equipment

Offers a total safety to pedestrians and road users

Impact on the landscape, thanks to new technologies

2 – On Board Energy Systems Storage (OBESS)

• Several On-board Energy Storage Systems (OBESS) have been developed :Batteries, in operation since 2007 in Nice FranceSuper Capacitor, in operation on line T3 in Paris since August 2009

• OBESS performances are not similar :Batteries

•Can store large quantities of energy•Have low power to mass ratio, •Life is affected by charge/discharge rate and temperature•Are Expensive•Are better suited to provide quasi continuous loads over several minutes

Super Capacitor•Have high power to mass ratio•Have a small effective storage capacity•Life is affected by maximum cell voltage and depth of discharge•Are well suited to handle large power burst over short time period•Still require the overhead system or the APS to handle long inter station, grades and intensive use of the air conditioning.

Development of new technologies: OBESS

Development of new technologies: OBESS in Nice & Rotterdam

Modern tramways: new design opportunities

A backdrop for creativity

Image of the city associated to the image of the Tramway

Adoption and assimilation by inhabitants (nicknames of Tramway systems…)

Interior designs to meet new higher expectations from passengers : comfort, information…

Modern tramway: new design opportunities

Modern tramway: new design opportunities

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Modern tramway: new design opportunities

Modern tramway: is it adequate for Hong Kong?

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