rail | Energy blog | Case study

Regional train Stadler FLIRT³ battery with lithium energy storage system

01.09.2021
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Regional train Stadler FLIRT³ battery with lithium energy storage system - Wednesday, 01.09.2021

Project description

In the search for a supplier for the traction battery systems, HOPPECKE succeeded in convincing Stadler with its expertise in the field of lithium-ion energy storage systems and many years of experience in the railway sector.

Only 54% of the European and 60% of the German railway network has an overhead line. The use of a battery vehicle - the Battery Electric Multiple Units (BEMU) - is ideal for bridging the non-electrified sections of the line. This is realised by alternating between driving with pantographs under overhead line and battery operation. The innovative drive concept allows the batteries to be charged flexibly during the journey or at electrified stops from the overhead line. In addition, the braking energy can be partially recovered via recuperation and stored in the traction battery. This means that even non-electrified, rural areas can be connected to the rail network in a CO2-neutral way in the future. The vehicle-specific challenges in operation are to ensure sufficient energy - even at extreme temperatures and operational malfunctions that lead to long downtimes.

This is made possible above all by the powerful energy storage system from HOPPECKE. The installed battery concept includes four high-power battery systems. HOPPECKE was able to contribute significantly to the success of the project through the design of the battery system, which was customised for the test vehicle.

The system is characterised by its high energy content, which enables a record battery-electric range of up to 185 km. The system is technically realised by a serial and parallel connection of the HOPPECKE High-Power Modules. On sections with overhead lines, the battery system can be recharged in a very short time thanks to its fast-charging capability, so that the subsequent non-electrified section can be completed again without restrictions.

The Stadler FLIRT³ battery achieves a competitive top speed of 140 km/h compared to conventionally powered trains. At the same time, the battery management system of HOPPECKE ensures an optimal temperature window for the operation of the cells at all times by controlling the temperature control system as required. This maximises the service life of the battery system. The FLIRT³ battery makes the sustainable mobility shift on rail possible, even without the expansion of the supply infrastructure, which is uneconomical for low-frequency routes.

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Key benefits

  • Flexible charging of the battery while driving or at nonelectrified terminal stops
  • Short recharging times due to fast charging capability
  • Recuperation of braking energy enables carbon-neutral connection of non-electrified rail network
  • Reduced emissions and noise pollution
  • High energy content enables up to 185 km range
  • Faster travelling by train - even on secondary lines with many stops
  • Improved timetable quality for passengers
  • Battery management system maximises battery system lifetime

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