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Title: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: ChrisB on November 08, 2017, 09:57:44 Quote Following six years of planning, restoration of a 1949 heritage train and 3km of railway line, the construction of two platforms and a train shed and the upcycling to produce the world’s first solar train, the two carriage rail motor has today arrived in Byron Bay. The monumental project comes from not-for-profit heritage rail organisation Byron Bay Railroad Company. Their Byron Bay train will take locals and visitors between Byron township and the burgeoning North Beach precinct incorporating the Byron Arts Estate, the Sunrise residential community and Elements of Byron resort. The 3km journey along the coastal track will cost just $3 for adults with some concessions provided for children. (http://www.byronbayblog.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/DJI_0057.jpg) This is another big milestone for the project and we’re just glad to see our beautiful train in its new Byron home. Even more so, we’re really looking forward to running first passenger services and sharing this experience with residents and visitors soon. The train, which has been fully refurbished in its heritage colours, seats 100 passengers with additional room for standing passengers and luggage including prams and bicycles. While there are some trains throughout the world with technology that allows them to run parts of the train like lights and air conditioning on solar power, this is the first real train to run fully on power from the sun. “This is an exciting world first, powering a train with solar power, day, night and in every type of weather” said John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council. “It shows Australia’s fantastic sunshine can be harnessed in smart ways not just to power our homes and businesses, but to address another pressing problem – cutting emissions in the transportation sector.” Byron Bay Railroad Company is hopeful that passenger services will commence pre Christmas. In the meantime they will begin training the nineteen new local staff, undertaking test runs and commissioning the new solar equipment. “Solar doesn’t stand still” said Dan Cass, Strategist at The Australia Institute. “It has been growing exponentially for a decade and more solar PV generation capacity is being installed than any other technology internationally. This train demonstrates that Australian solar scientists and their innovations are changing the world”. For more information visit www.byronbaytrain.com.au Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: broadgage on November 08, 2017, 12:19:47 Interesting, but not perhaps as exciting as it appears initially.
It would seem to be a primarily battery powered train, with a limited contribution from train mounted PV modules. The train is plugged into the mains at the depot to charge. The fact that the depot is equipped with a large roof mounted, grid tied PV array is good for sustainability, but nothing remarkable these days. I expect to see more use of battery powered trains for branch or secondary routes, and perhaps also for short sections of main lines that are problematic to electrify, such as the sea wall at Dawlish. I have previously suggested that PV modules be fitted to lightly used rolling stock on heritage lines, but that is to keep seldom used batteries in good condition, not to propel a train. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 24, 2019, 10:38:27 The Byron Bay Railroad Company has now carried over 100,000 passengers between North Beach and Byron Beach. Trains run hourly from 10.00 to 17.00, taking about 10 minutes for the 3km trip; speeds are similar to those achieved on a British heritage railway. The route is mostly very straight and very flat.
The company describes its operations as 'carbon positive'. Solar panels on their operational buildings produce up to 30kW, and those on the roof of the train can provide an additional 6.5kW; there is a significant energy surplus. The train also recovers about 25% of its energy through regenerative braking. The 77kWh traction battery holds sufficient energy for 12-15 runs without recharging. The service is provided by a single two-car NSW class 600/700 unit, consisting of railmotor 661 and trailer 726. One of the Cummins NT855-R2 diesel engines has been removed from 661 to make space for the battery; the other is retained as a backup. These units may be particularly suitable for this mode of operation: they were built at Chullora Workshops (which had expertise in aircraft fabrication having built Bristol Beaufort bombers during the war) and consist of an aluminium body bolted to a lightweight steel frame. Could this technology, or a version of it, be used in Britain? Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Western Pathfinder on April 24, 2019, 11:07:34 For those who would care to see it in operation
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1SafVI7vKs4. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: grahame on April 24, 2019, 12:37:27 Could this technology, or a version of it, be used in Britain? Although since converted to 3rd rail, the locomotives on the Hythe Pier railway were originally battery operated, and the line is straight and flat like the Australian one ... the running time is not great - plenty of opportunity to recharge at either end of the pier. One even wonders if the boat could charge at both piers ... similar energy surplus once the train has run as there is in Australia? The only concern is the short days in winter and the fact it's a commuter service that runs in the dark; perhaps add a generator from wind, water or wave power under the pier too?? Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 24, 2019, 12:56:39 That's the beauty of electric traction - once you've adopted it, the next question is not 'whether' you decarbonise it, but 'how'...
Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: broadgage on April 25, 2019, 10:56:31 Yes, similar technology could be used in the UK.
I am a little doubtful about fitting solar panels to an existing train as cost, weight, and complication is thereby added and the output limited by shading and often not facing the sun. A battery train charged from the mains might be better. Offseting the electricity used for charging by a large grid tied solar array on the roofs of depots or stations is better still. A wind turbine is a worthwhile addition in a suitably windy location. Ideally enough renewable electricity should be produced to offset ALL the electricity used by the transport undertaking, not just that used for traction, but also the electricity used for stations, depots, signalling and other purposes. Similar arguments apply to ferries or other ships that make frequent short voyages. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 25, 2019, 11:15:26 Yes, similar technology could be used in the UK. I am a little doubtful about fitting solar panels to an existing train as cost, weight, and complication is thereby added and the output limited by shading and often not facing the sun. A battery train charged from the mains might be better. Offseting the electricity used for charging by a large grid tied solar array on the roofs of depots or stations is better still. A wind turbine is a worthwhile addition in a suitably windy location. Ideally enough renewable electricity should be produced to offset ALL the electricity used by the transport undertaking, not just that used for traction, but also the electricity used for stations, depots, signalling and other purposes. Similar arguments apply to ferries or other ships that make frequent short voyages. Actually I was being rather vague when I asked whether similar tech could be used here! What I meant was that I was wondering if any first-generation (sic) DMUs, as used on some heritage lines, would be particularly suited to conversion to battery-electric. Doubtless the carbon emissions of steam engines don't make that much difference in the round, but it can only be a matter of time before people start to point fingers and ask questions... Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: onthecushions on April 25, 2019, 11:26:07 The Class 503 unit at Margate would be ideal. It weighs in at only 77t for all three cars. OTC Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: stuving on April 25, 2019, 11:42:18 Actually I was being rather vague when I asked whether similar tech could be used here! What I meant was that I was wondering if any first-generation (sic) DMUs, as used on some heritage lines, would be particularly suited to conversion to battery-electric. Doubtless the carbon emissions of steam engines don't make that much difference in the round, but it can only be a matter of time before people start to point fingers and ask questions... Well, there is one at the Royal Deeside Railway that needs no conversion - though it is currently listed as "Electrically out of service". Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 25, 2019, 11:49:54 Well, there is one at the Royal Deeside Railway... Oh yes... handsome brute it is too! Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Celestial on April 25, 2019, 12:06:24 I'm guessing that as Byron Bay is a similar latitude to the Canaries that both the strength of the sun and amount of it is slightly more than we might get in the UK. I certainly wouldn't suggest to TfW that they rely on it for the Valley Lines electrification.
Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: broadgage on April 25, 2019, 13:12:22 Whilst traction motors and batteries COULD be fitted to a heritage DMU, this would in most cases need a lot of re-design as the transmission is mechanical.
It might be easier to start with an old DC EMU, or a slightly more modern DMU that already has electric transmission. Yet another possibility would be a battery loco hauling heritage coaches. There is growing interest in use of same for shunting. A heritage line would be an interesting demonstration of any new or proposed battery locomotive. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 25, 2019, 13:18:13 I'm guessing that as Byron Bay is a similar latitude to the Canaries that both the strength of the sun and amount of it is slightly more than we might get in the UK. I certainly wouldn't suggest to TfW that they rely on it for the Valley Lines electrification. Maybe solar wouldn't work in the Valleys, but I'm told it can be quite windy atop the surrounding hills... Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: JayMac on April 25, 2019, 16:04:54 I'm guessing that as Byron Bay is a similar latitude to the Canaries that both the strength of the sun and amount of it is slightly more than we might get in the UK. I certainly wouldn't suggest to TfW that they rely on it for the Valley Lines electrification. Maybe solar wouldn't work in the Valleys, but I'm told it can be quite windy atop the surrounding hills... So, sail powered trains then? Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: SandTEngineer on April 25, 2019, 16:19:35 I'm guessing that as Byron Bay is a similar latitude to the Canaries that both the strength of the sun and amount of it is slightly more than we might get in the UK. I certainly wouldn't suggest to TfW that they rely on it for the Valley Lines electrification. Maybe solar wouldn't work in the Valleys, but I'm told it can be quite windy atop the surrounding hills... So, sail powered trains then? You should copyright that idea BNM. I'm sure our current climate change protesters would love that...... ::) Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: grahame on April 25, 2019, 16:41:58 So, sail powered trains then? http://douglas-self.com/MUSEUM/LOCOLOCO/sail/sail.htm I recall doing one as an "O" gauge project about 40 years ago - problem was it was too light and blew over ... looked rather like the Spooner example on that page linked above. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: JayMac on April 25, 2019, 19:42:49 So, sail powered trains then? http://douglas-self.com/MUSEUM/LOCOLOCO/sail/sail.htm I recall doing one as an "O" gauge project about 40 years ago - problem was it was too light and blew over ... looked rather like the Spooner example on that page linked above. Well... who knew? I thought I'd had an original idea. Turns out the idea's been around for nearly 200 years. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: stuving on April 27, 2019, 22:51:33 Well, there is one at the Royal Deeside Railway... Oh yes... handsome brute it is too! For anyone who likes pictures of that BEMU, I have just found a small heap of them showing it in service in the 1960s. The GNSRA covers (obviously) the whole GNSR in its picture gallery (http://www.gnsra.org.uk/gnsra_gallery_intro.htm). Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: broadgage on August 09, 2021, 20:01:42 This solar/battery powered train featured in tonight's TV program "Great Australian railway journeys" shown at 19-00 on BBC 2.
Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: grahame on March 26, 2024, 09:26:50 Could this technology, or a version of it, be used in Britain? From the Totnes Times (https://www.totnes-today.co.uk/news/miniature-kingsbridge-train-appeals-for-volunteers-674371) Quote If all goes as planned, it will be the 10th year that the Kingsbridge and District Light Railway, known locally as ‘the little train on the embankment’, has run a service. During that time, the solar-powered railway has transported children to the park and adults halfway to the Crabshell. The train was originally steam-powered, but thanks to solar panels installed on the roof of the train shed, the service is now eco-friendly. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: johnneyw on March 26, 2024, 11:52:06 I've been on it! A couple of times.... purely to accompany various grandchildren you understand!
I remember the old steam one too, on the other side of the quay. It closed back in the 80s and few traces remain. The new railway was funded by a "share issue" and has been running for a few years now from the "Ria End" station up towards the quayside Crabshell Inn.....a splendid destination for a sunny afternoon. This page is printed from the "Coffee Shop" forum at http://gwr.passenger.chat which is provided by a customer of Great Western Railway. Views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that content provided contravenes our posting rules ( see http://railcustomer.info/1761 ). The forum is hosted by Well House Consultants - http://www.wellho.net |