Ecobat provide battery systems and solutions for a variety of railway vehicles to the modern rail industry. These include diesel starting batteries and carriage lighting batteries that meet the safety and reliability standards required by contemporary railways.
Our lead acid batteries start and power trains and rapid rail systems and are specially designed to have a longer life than standard batteries as well as requiring reduced maintenance due to low antimony alloys.
Like cars, locomotives need a battery to start the engine as well as to provide electrical power for lighting and controls when the engine is off and power is not being generated by the alternator. Diesel trains use our heavy duty industrial batteries both for starting and for operating a range of equipment on board.
Carriage Lighting Batteries
Passenger train coaches need batteries for lighting the carriages and can also provide water heating in cabins and coach bathrooms. These batteries are charged when the train is running so that power is available for lighting even when the engine is switched off.
The batteries used in these applications need to be shock resistant, that is they must be strong and resilient enough to sustain minor jolts and impacts during travel without damage to the internal workings. In order to be viable for the rail industry these batteries also need to have an extended battery life as well as requiring minimum maintenance.
Diesel Starting Batteries
The power required to run the huge traction motors that drive a train is generated by a generator (DC) or alternator (AC) run by a diesel motor. Diesel starting batteries are used to start up the diesel motor when no overhead utility is available for the train.
The driver’s cabin can also use these batteries to power emergency equipment.
Choosing Rail Loco Starting and Carriage Power Batteries
If you are looking to replace your existing diesel starting battery, take note of the details of the locomotive as well as the battery (e.g. type, number of cells and dimensions). Similarly if you are replacing rail carriage batteries take note of details such as number of cells or batteries, voltage, size, type, etc. If you require new boxes we can specify and supply new boxes to BR1, BR2 and up to BR8, completely built or with loose cells for fitting on site.
If you are unable to identify your battery contact us and we will do whatever we can to assist you. You may be looking to increase the battery power, in which case we would need to discuss with you the original battery details, and what you require from the new. If you are looking to modify the battery power, contact us with the available information and we will gladly advise.
Whatever the specific requirements for your rail power batteries, Ecobat have a product to suit, so please get in touch to discuss how we can help you.
Different Types of Rail Batteries
Different rail battery products offer different benefits and features for a variety of applications. Non-spillable railway diesel starting batteries are particularly low maintenance as they protect against damage to equipment and significantly reduce concerns relating to staff safety and the environment.Certain deep cycle batteries are designed specifically for rolling stock application in the rail industry, while other locomotive starting batteries are designed for 180 day watering intervals. Some have increased reliability and performance for outstanding cranking capacity and are able to deliver the power required regardless of conditions.
Dependable compact flooded locomotive starting batteries are available that feature heavy duty construction with proven reliability and performance. Further benefits are high breakaway current, quick engine cranking and long service life.
To discuss which battery is best for your needs or if you have any further questions, please get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to assist.