Development of a Functionally-Tested Hybrid Electric Train

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a local train set aiming to augment the number of fleets presently the Philippine National Railways (PNR) provides. While importation has been the normal practice to supplement trains in the country’s railway lines, this outsourcing is becoming more and more impractical as localization provides compelling advantages of cheaper cost and easier troubleshooting and maintenance. The train is composed of five (5) coaches which is powered by either generator set and/or batteries setting up the hybrid system. The coach assembly was designed using Solidworks and underwent stress analysis to verify its compactness and credibility. The addition of load sharing and regenerative braking technology furthers energy efficiency. To establish interaction with minimal wirings among systems making up the train set, a control system utilizing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) with CC-Link Central System was installed. Performance testing and Reliability-Availability- Maintainability-Safety (RAMS) validation wrapped up the development securing the train set functionality and commercial viability.