Diesel locomotives and DMUs

Saft on-board battery systems perform two vital functions on diesel locomotives and Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs): they provide independent power for engine starting; and back-up power for low-voltage systems.

Engine starting

The battery system provides the power to start the locomotive’s diesel engine. It could be a stand-alone battery, or sized to provide back-up power as well.

Back-up power

The battery system must provide at least 90 minutes of power to maintain operation of:

lighting
ventilation
air conditioning
computers
door controls
communications

Battery solutions

Saft SRX, MRX and SRM Ni-Cd batteries, with sintered / PBE construction, as well as the steel pocket SCH S single cells, are designed to meet the specific performance and safety needs of diesel locomotives and DMUs.

Starting batteries: MRX, SRM SRX, SCH-S

Saft engine starting batteries offer:

high rate discharge capability
resistance to harsh environments
operation in very low temperatures (down to -30°C)

Back-up batteries: SRX, SCH-S

In back-up applications Saft rail batteries offer:

reduced weight and volume
low maintenance and ease of servicing
flame retardant characteristics
optimised LCC (Life Cycle Cost) and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)

Battery systems

Saft has extensive experience in meeting the needs of rail operators who require a complete battery system, and has developed nine standard systems for new build trains.

Saft can take responsibility for the whole battery design, development and manufacturing process by acting as a fully integrated, single-source supplier – from initial concept to volume supply. The result is a bespoke battery – tailored to meet the customer’s exact dimensional and performance specifications – that is supplied fully tested and qualified, and ready to ‘plug and play’.