10003030Feasibility Demonstration of a rail-based flash-charging connectionClosedSmall Business Research InitiativeInnovate UKThis application is directed at Theme 3 namely Low emissions and a greener railway and it addresses a number of the key points identified in that theme. We are applying for a grant to prove a seamless slab-packaged invisible drive-on, drive-off 5-700kW flash charging contact method for our battery-powered trains. Transport Design International (TDI) is a Stratford-upon-Avon based, rail and road vehicle development group. Two major projects we are leading, the Coventry Very Light Rail (Tram) and the Revolution Very Lightweight Rail (demonstrator train) are nearing completion. Revolution weighs less than half of an equivalent 'traditional' train of its length and carries 120 passengers in comfort. It is currently a diesel-battery hybrid vehicle. TDI leads the consortium comprising Warwick Manufacturing Group, Cummins, RDM Group, Prose AG, Transcal and Eversholt Rail Group (ERG). Time, technology and green initiatives means both TDI and ERG consider a fully battery powered option is essential as soon as possible. A battery-powered Revolution train would be capable of being charged at 500kW or more due to its use of Lithium Titanate batteries which are the safest, longest lived and fastest-charging of the lithium options. A minute's worth of charging (such as in a station) will keep the vehicle running for 20km or more if the charging rate is high enough. TDI is looking to prove a simple drive on-drive off packaged connection for its trains and trams with the capability to charge at 700amps or more (at 700v). Of course, the infratructure may not be in place right now but we are confident it will and we want to establish a connection method that will be proof for the future. 3rd rail systems are capable of operating at 1000amps or more. The Wabtec Group, Brecknell Willis, a specialist in such systems will work with us to develop a drive-on, drive-off twin shoe connection system. The principle will rely on short lengths of conductive rail in stations with a ramp-up and a ramp down in a slab. Shoes will ride onto these rails and make a charging contact. TDI has constructed a programme with the aim of designing and proving (with Brecknell Willis) a system capable of delivering the proposed charging rate. We will build these contacts onto our existing Revolution train with ground-based rails and thereby demonstrate that swift invisible seamless flash charging is feasible. This, we believe, will spearhead a transformational application of battery-powered trains.