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F.A.Q

Track System:

There are basically two types of track systems in use for ULR tram systems based on weather the motive power is on-board the tram or from external power sources.

Track system (1) for trams with on-board power supplies click here for a diagram of the track as installed into the road surface. Track of this type has been installed for a client in Wales (UK)

 

 

Track system (2) for systems with external power supplies click here for a more detailed description.

Systems with intermittent electric pickup at stops would use a combination of both track systems.  Both of these systems offer cost savings over conventional tramway track systems.  They require less energy per Km to produce and to lay improving the tram systems green credentials ever further.

Track system (2) can also be of considerable benefit to existing tram systems. Through  many years of testing and use on existing tramlines it has proven to be highly resilient to the effects of heavy road traffic and would provide a cost effective solution to the frequent replacement of conventional tracks in these locations.

comprehensively tested by simulation, laboratory and field trials. A length of track was installed in the Sheffield Super tramway in March 1996, where it continues to give maintenance free service with over 300 LRVs per day, and 100 heavy road vehicles. It replaced a length of conventional track that failed after just one year.

Energy Supplies:

ULR trams can be powered by an on-board energy supply, via a contact rail at stops or via a continuous overhead contact wire.  SUSTRACO works with clients and other stake holders to determine the best system of motive energy dependant on the availability of sustainable energy supplies and budget requirements.

Trams powered by on-board energy or intermittent  electrical contact rails employ a hybrid energy system click here to see a diagram.  Information on how ULR trams make use of fuel cells viable Ultra Light Rail: the Fast Track to Fuel Cells we recommend the use of flywheels or Super capacitors for energy storage.

We believe the reasons are:-

  • Lithium batteries are too expensive, there is a world wide lithium shortage and peak lithium production may be here already.

  • Nickel iron batteries are also expensive and do not have long life, or a high power density.

  • Lithium batteries have a fire risk in collisions and lead acid batteries have environmental impacts in manufacture and recycling.

  • Flywheels are long life and cheap to manufacture from abundant and inert materials.

  • Recharge times for batteries do not compare favorably with flywheels and Super-Capacitors.

ULR technology is not dependent on any particular fuel or energy supply; but Sustraco is committed to low carbon solutions, value for money and early implementation. Therefore the appropriate energy solution for a particular ULR project is likely to be a fuel which is:-

  • Carbon neutral, carbon negative or low carbon.
  • Can be produced at an acceptable price.
  • Is already or will be, in commercial production and available to the project, in the area required and in the timescale required.
  • Is acceptable to all the promoters and stakeholders in the project; and in the environmental assessment.

The appropriate fuel could be biomethane, biodiesel, green electricity, or derivatives of crop wastes, wood wastes or tree crops depending on local circumstances.

Sustraco will be pleased to discuss the best options and preferred solutions for project proposals in different parts of the world.

Systems powered via a continuous overhead contact wire: benefit from an innovative OHL system designed to reduce the cost of installation, maintenance and operations. 

If you require further information then please contact us.

Energy requirements trams vs. buses:

Trams use only around a third of the energy required by a bus (based on a like for like bases) click here to see a diagram.  Up hill, down hill or on the level the difference is always the same, a two thirds advantage for the tram.

Brake energy recovery reduces energy requirements by at least 20% thus with ULR you get two thirds more Km per unit of energy.

 

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