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Project initiative for a dynamic-charged electro-bus
Published on 21 August 2018
Czech Republic
Praha
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About this good practice
In recent years, the City of Prague Transport Co. (DPP) had been intensively monitoring and testing various electric options to find suitable charging technologies. The efforts in developing electric mobility aim to take advantage to the maximum possible extent of synergies that stem from Prague having an extensive tram and underground train network. This allows for synergies in terms of power infrastructure, joint procurement of energy and more.
In 2017, a dynamic battery charging project was initiated in Prosecká street, with overhead power lines fitted along a 1,5 km steep climb/descent. Furthermore, this included a charging tract with a stationary galvanic separator, where the vehicle is charged during breaks in operation. The stretch in question is typical of Prague conditions. The Palmovka – Letňany route is run in dependent traction mode (trolley-powered) for only 10-15% of the route, the rest battery-powered.
Given the successful trial, the DPP has agreed to prepare the follow-up stage, to ensure zero-emission operation on bus route 140. The project comprises a combination of dynamic charging (the vehicle charges on the move from the trolley line) and static charging (the vehicle is charged at the terminus during its scheduled breaks and in the depot). The overhead power lines will be installed along some 30 to 40% of the route, particularly on hilly sections (incl. the stretch in Prosecká street). The technology to be used will be 2-pole charging at 750 V DC.
In 2017, a dynamic battery charging project was initiated in Prosecká street, with overhead power lines fitted along a 1,5 km steep climb/descent. Furthermore, this included a charging tract with a stationary galvanic separator, where the vehicle is charged during breaks in operation. The stretch in question is typical of Prague conditions. The Palmovka – Letňany route is run in dependent traction mode (trolley-powered) for only 10-15% of the route, the rest battery-powered.
Given the successful trial, the DPP has agreed to prepare the follow-up stage, to ensure zero-emission operation on bus route 140. The project comprises a combination of dynamic charging (the vehicle charges on the move from the trolley line) and static charging (the vehicle is charged at the terminus during its scheduled breaks and in the depot). The overhead power lines will be installed along some 30 to 40% of the route, particularly on hilly sections (incl. the stretch in Prosecká street). The technology to be used will be 2-pole charging at 750 V DC.
Resources needed
The project is now going on to the next stage with the full electrification of bus route 140, The investment in the follow-up stage, comes to some 492 million CZK, including the cost of infrastructure and vehicle procurement.
Evidence of success
Bus routes in Prague are served exclusively by conventional diesel buses. The long-term goal of the City of Prague is to reduce the negative impact of transport. The first stage trial operation verified the viability of the dynamic-charging concept, with findings brought forward to the follow-up phase and vehicles (e.g. to raise the charging current, improved ride parameters up slopes without trolley lines, the night charging and charge balancing of the batteries at the depot, etc.)
Potential for learning or transfer
The main benefit is zero-emission operation, as well as reduced noise pollution compared to a conventional fuelled engine bus.
Another advantage comes by way of significantly lower demands on the infrastructure. There is no need to implement power lines along the entire route, but only in certain sections, typically in hilly terrain. There is no need to implement complex overhead constructions at intersections, in depots etc. The vehicles are no longer dependent on following the lines, but can be flexibly deployed on different types of routes. The system also exhibits greater reliability, because it allows for operative responses to emergencies or diversions.
This technology is well utilizable e.g. in cities with existing trolleybus lines. Moreover, this method allows for the electrification of long routes operated at short intervals, often in hilly terrain, where the technology of purely static charging has its limits, due to battery capacity and weight and their charging speed.
Another advantage comes by way of significantly lower demands on the infrastructure. There is no need to implement power lines along the entire route, but only in certain sections, typically in hilly terrain. There is no need to implement complex overhead constructions at intersections, in depots etc. The vehicles are no longer dependent on following the lines, but can be flexibly deployed on different types of routes. The system also exhibits greater reliability, because it allows for operative responses to emergencies or diversions.
This technology is well utilizable e.g. in cities with existing trolleybus lines. Moreover, this method allows for the electrification of long routes operated at short intervals, often in hilly terrain, where the technology of purely static charging has its limits, due to battery capacity and weight and their charging speed.
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
The Prague Public Transport Company, a.s. (DPP)
Czech Republic
Praha
Contact
Transport Specialist