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TRAM Power Ltd
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INFRASTRUCTURE
As well as the light rail technology incorporated in the City Class Tram we have also developed unique technology for light rail infrastructure, which can significantly reduce the cost and lead time of implementing Light Rail schemes.
Overhead Line Technology
There is a power point presentation on this technology here which includes pictures and diagrams.
An article for the Railway Engineer's Journal entitled "A New Overhead Line (OHL) System" by Professor Lesley is available in HTML and doc format here .
We have registered international patents for this technology.
Extent of Electrification
In EU, UK almost lowest % of track
Energy source flexibility
Lower pollution (modal switch)
Lower operating costs
Lower train maintenance costs
higher vehicle reliability
Functionality
Electrical - power distribution with minimum losses from lower resistivity from larger cross section conductor
Mechanical - can stand loadings from wind, weather, and pantographs
Capital cost - reduction through fewer parts
Reducing costs
single OHL wire - but sags
larger diameter (14mm) (150sq.mm) - but higher unit weight
Fewer support masts - larger sag or higher tension in OHL
simpler suspension system - no registration arms
different tensioning
Prototype Installation
Carnforth Railway Centre
1200m of single track
curved
mixed use
existing overbridges
high HGV loads underneath
Design and Installation
Track curves min. radius 200m - mast spacing reduced to 30m
2 Over bridges - one direct suspension, other span wire
OHL run out over whole length on temporary mast pulleys
OHL tensioned and clipped up 300m at a time
Practicalities
Weather - December 2004
no exclusive track access
cherrypicker over parked rail vehicles
getting right alignment
using temporary ropes to lift and clip
total installation 40 man days
final clipping 3 man days
total costs £50k for 1200m
Conclusions
OHL can be simplified
OHL costs can be reduced
Elastic supported single wire good for speeds to 150km/hr
Low electric resistivity can be achieved
Jan.2005 severe storms - no damage
could be used for branch lines
reduce cost of new light rail projects
TRAM Power Ltd
Registered office:
99 Stanley Road
Bootle
Merseyside
L20 7DA
Email : marketing@trampower.co.uk
© TRAM Power Ltd 2007
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