Railways Batteries

The four major application areas in Railways where batteries are used

• Train Lighting and Air-conditioning of SG coaches
• Diesel Engine starting
• Electric Locomotives and Electric Multiple Units
• Signalling and Telecommunications

Exide Industries Ltd is the largest supplier of batteries for all applications to Indian Railways

Batteries for Train lighting and Air-conditioning of Railway coaches: Indian Railways use various types of passenger coaches – both non AC and AC in their fleet. Major portion of these coaches are Self Generating (SG) type where the electrical power is derived on a standalone basis from alternators driven by Axle through V belt drive as long as the coach is moving at maximum full load output (MFO) speed of Alternators. However, when the coach is stationary or moving at lower than MFO speed, the entire coach’s electrical load (including AC load in case of AC coaches) is met by a battery. The power generating system along with the battery is fitted in the coach itself. Battery is fitted in a battery box underneath the coach.

In this application the battery has to perform in a dusty atmosphere, moderate to high vibration, varying temperature, restricted time of checking/maintenance and in a continuous charge-discharge mode. It is the ultimate test of performance and life of a battery where reliability is of utmost importance.

Exide with its full range of batteries for this application starting from 120Ah to 1100Ah capacity - both Low Maintenance (LMLA) and Maintenance Free (VRLA) types having track record of proven performance with optimal life is one of the largest suppliers to Indian Railways for the Train Lighting and Air Conditioning application .

Batteries for Engine Starting in Diesel Locomotives : Large diesel engine starting in Railway Locomotives is a unique application and it differs greatly from starting engines of small combustion volumes such as cars or trucks. The difference lies in the heavier weight of moving parts and higher resistance of pistons motions in cylinders.

While starting a diesel loco engine, the starter battery need to provide power to perform several pre start functions like powering up hydraulic pumps, air compressors, brake systems etc, mandatorily required for smooth engine starting without any damage to engine components.

As such, battery gets partially discharged before actual cranking of the engine.

Robustness of design is therefore of utmost importance for the battery used for diesel engine starting application.

Exide’s Low Maintenance Tubular diesel engine staring batteries of capacities 290,450 and 500AH are the first choice of Railways due to its unparalleled performance and life,proven over the years in this field.

Batteries for Electric Locomotives and Electric Multiple Units: 
The Electric Multiple Units (EMU) are a part and parcel of suburban India and the life line for millions of commuters every day. Secondly, use of Electric Locomotives is increasing with increased railway electrification.

Both EMU coaches and electric locomotives run on the electric power supply available from the overhead grid & power is transmitted through the roof mounted Pantograph.To energize the equipments from disconnected situation (when the loco/EMU is in Car shed), independent power supply from a battery is required to lift and connect the pantograph to the grid.Also in an emergent situation, battery power is used for braking.

The reliability of battery is important as the starting operation of the equipment depends on it.

Exide’s 10V 75 and 90AH Low maintenance tubular batteries are the preferred choice of Railways for EMU and Electrical Loco application over the years.