• BNSF toils to cap off Transcon double-track work by year’s end

10/4/2016

Saft: C.O.M.M. Batt IoT-based monitoring system

Saft has launched C.O.M.M. Batt, its first ever Internet Of Things (IoT) service for nickel-based onboard batteries. The new service enables rail operators to realize the benefits of predictive maintenance planning for their backup batteries based on remote, real-time monitoring. Those benefits include reduced downtime, optimized fleet management and the associated cost efficiencies, according to the company.

Saft developed the C.O.M.M. Batt service as a component of its program to further improve life-cycle costs (LCC) and maintenance intervals for its nickel-based batteries. C.O.M.M. Batt uses wireless technology to transmit a wealth of diagnostic data. This data is analyzed using Saft's advanced modeling algorithms based on real-world knowledge drawn from a vast installed base to provide information on battery operation and charge condition, as well as key predictive maintenance information. Operators can see a real-time picture of how their batteries are performing and can access this information on a PC or a smartphone and receive message alerts.
 
C.O.M.M. Batt provides an effective basis for a transition to a predictive maintenance regime, rather than corrective and preventive maintenance, the company says. This  yields other benefits such as lower maintenance costs and increased fleet availability. C.O.M.M. Batt represents a flexible philosophy that can be adapted to suit specific train equipment, communication protocols and operator maintenance workflows, according to the company.
 
Saft launched the new product at InnoTrans 2016, where the company also highlighted its high-tech lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems for hybrid and autonomous catenary free traction applications, and for supporting electricity infrastructure serving public transit systems.  Saft also displayed its range of specialized nickel-based battery solutions for onboard auxiliary power and engine starting applications. 
 
Li-ion technology powers traction and supports infrastructure
Saft’s Ion-OnBoard® modules harness the specific advantages of Li-ion technology, such as high power, lightweight design, compact footprint and maintenance-free operation for rail traction applications. They complement diesel-electric generators in hybrid installations by accommodating highly dynamic charge-discharge cycles to provide peak power for acceleration and recovering energy from deceleration and braking. They are also suited for electric drive applications that ensure autonomous, catenary-free operation for trams and light-rail vehicles over unpowered sections of track.
 
Saft’s Intensium® Max containerized Li-ion systems can also be used in stationary wayside energy storage installations to support the electricity infrastructure serving public transit systems, particularly in optimizing power flows by recovering braking energy from trains.