Skeleton Technologies has announced that they have signed a contract with Brush Traction to supply SkelStart Engine Start Modules for all Porterbrook Bi Mode Class 769 trains.
The high-power density, safe and tiny size of the 24V SkelStart module were decided over other solutions during the feasibility stage to start the Auxiliary Power Supply (APS) units. Simply put, there was not enough room available for another solution.
SkelStart is installed as a standalone powerpack with no power needed to top it up during standby periods.
A Single Skelstart has enough power to start 27-litre engines at 20°C.
What did the officials say?
Mr. Chris Myatt, Engineering Director at Brush Traction said:
“We had limited space available for the integration of the APS starting power supply. The 24V SkelStart has the size of a regular car battery and with its 8kg weight, it solved the space restriction we had. Also, we do not need batteries for the APS start module as the BMU standby time is short. The expected lifetime of the SkelStart of at least 5 years also adds reliability to the system.”
Mr Taavi Madiberk, CEO of Skeleton Technologies added:
“It is a major stepping-stone for Skeleton Technologies to bring ultracapacitors to the rail industry. In this case, size matters, and the power density of our cells made the difference. Millions of rail passengers will benefit from our technology”
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At least the converted Class 769s Hybrid (Bi-Mode/Tri-Mode) will last bit longer than it’s actual sister Class 319 AC (Ex-Dual Voltage) EMU which will also last for 20+ years that the Class 769s will be operated on Northern, GWR (Great Western Railway) and KeliosAmey Wales (Transport for Wales).
And possibly could send some of the Class 769 to ScotRail if ScotRail might inherit few of the Class 769 to operate them on Glasgow QSt-Tweedbank via Edinburgh Waverley and Edinburgh Waverley-Dundee as the electrification to Dunblane and Stirling will start going live from next year with Class 385s to operate to Stirling, Alloa and Dunblane. And the Shotts Line electrification also to be completed by next year with the Class 385 to operate via Shotts between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
In fact that picture of the Northern Class 769 is in fact No 769434 just to let you know.