Full electrification, by either overhead line or third rail, poses a number of challenges related to cost, delivery and safety. Bridges, tunnels, and low-traffic lines, for example, give rise to difficulties when installing electrified lines on certain sections of track. The most obvious alternative would be to partially electrify. Nickel-based batteries have found their home in rail applications for many years. Typically, these are best-suited for onboard back-up supply,. When designing the optimal battery for a specific rail application, multiple factors and variables must be considered. Firstly, and arguably most importantly, is the operating profile of the tram. This includes the power profile of the lines, the planned service frequency, the. While batteries can be used to provide full traction power repeatedly throughout the day, they can also be used to provide just enough traction power in emergency situations. Moscow Metro,. Following the success of the West Midlands project, CAF approached Saft to provide onboard batteries and accessories for 20 Urbos trams to be used on the future tram network in Liège, Belgium. A battery solution was required to allow for 'wire-free' operation over.
