Forsee Power has announced it is collaborating with Wabtec to integrate advanced battery systems into battery-electric locomotive platforms.
A recognised leader in freight locomotives, Wabtec is strongly committed to safety, reliability and cost competitiveness of rail transportation through innovation and collaboration with customers and partners. In 2021, the company unveiled the world’s first battery-electric freight locomotive, marking a major milestone in the electrification of rail freight. It has since gone on to deliver FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives to several mining companies.
The two companies have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the collaboration around the integration of Forsee Power’s PULSE PLUS RAIL battery systems into Wabtec’s locomotive platforms. The program aims to deliver enhanced performance, increased reliability and optimised total cost of ownership, they said.
Forsee Power brings to the collaboration a strong track record of product performance, dedicated rail R&D expertise, global aftersales capabilities and an industrial footprint in Ohio, enabling Buy America compliance, it says.
Built on Toshiba’s latest-generation LTO cells, Forsee Power’s PULSE PLUS RAIL battery system delivers exceptional durability with a lifespan of up to 20 years, very high-power output and a wide voltage range of up to 1,500 V DC, the company says. In addition to locomotive applications, the system supports fast charging operations.
Designed with advanced liquid thermal management, PULSE PLUS RAIL ensures extended battery life even in extreme temperatures and highly demanding duty cycles, Forsee Power claims. The system also meets the highest safety standards, including IEC 62-928, IEC 62-619, IEC 62-620, EN 50-126. Designed with maintainability in mind, the architecture provides easy access to electronic and electromechanical components while guaranteeing full LOTO electrical isolation for safe maintenance operations.
The battery systems also integrate advanced digital features to maximise vehicle availability and operational efficiency.
While the electrical architecture is designed to meet the requirements of both freight and passenger rail applications, it also creates new opportunities in mining truck applications, another strategic market where Wabtec is a global leader in powertrain development.