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, MSX, SRM and SMRX-F3 Ni-Cd batteries, with sintered / PBE construction are designed to meet the specific performance and safety needs of diesel locomotives and DMUs.

Starting batteries: MSX et SRX

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: MRX, MSX, SRM and SMRX-F3

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’.