A newly developed sensor box has now been installed on all SJ trainsets of Type 93, which are owned by Norske tog. Scandinavia’s largest train operator, SJ, praises the solution—which ensures safer operations and offers a better service to customers.
– Mantena’s new battery monitoring solution has been tested for an extended period and has performed beyond all expectations, says Erik Suul Comerford, responsible for rolling stock follow-up at SJ Norge.
He continues:
– SJ would like to extend a big thank you to Mantena and Norske tog for excellent cooperation. We look forward to improved availability and punctuality in the Type 93 fleet, to the benefit of our passengers.
Sensors give warnings
The Type 93 trains have experienced challenges with overheating in the battery packs, an issue that SJ, Norske tog, and Mantena have worked together to solve. Batteries that become overheated can not only disrupt train operations and cause delays, but in the worst-case scenario, also pose a fire hazard.
An important component of the solution is the sensor boxes developed by Mantena at Marienborg in Trondheim. In recent months, these have been installed on all 15 trainsets, which are in operation on the Rauma Line, Røros Line, Nordland Line, Meråker Line, and Salten commuter line.
The box is a so-called PLC—programmable logic controller—placed by each battery pack, at both ends of the trainsets.
– The box is equipped with temperature sensors that give an alert if the batteries become too hot, or are outside defined limits. Additionally, it contains fuses that disconnect the relevant battery if it overheats, explains maintenance engineer Torgrim Gjelsvik—who, together with his colleague Vegar Røe, has developed the innovative sensor boxes.
The battery monitoring system also regulates battery voltage and charging, resulting in fewer errors in the battery system.
Looking forward to indoor parking
– The new battery monitoring provides better monitoring and automation for conductors and train drivers at SJ whose workplace is the T93, notes Comerford at SJ.
And whereas previously the trainsets had to be parked outdoors due to the risk of overheating, they can now look forward to a much more comfortable winter ahead.
– Our operations personnel in Mosjøen and Bodø look forward to being able to park the T93 indoors in the locomotive shed in Bodø this winter, so that snow and ice can melt off the trainset during operating breaks, Comerford states.
Geir Helge Austberg, project manager at Mantena, is extremely pleased with the excellent cooperation with SJ and Norske tog—which has now resulted in a successful solution for the benefit of all involved.
– The solution increases safety, which benefits all parties. The fact that we can now bring the trains into the workshop also helps us avoid many consequential faults due to cold. This also brings financial advantages.
Would you like to learn more about this innovative solution? Contact Thomas Ørbakk at Mantena:
thomas.orbakk@mantena.org
Phone: (+47) 982 32 128