12 Nov 2024

Diesel-battery hybrid solution keeps Adelaide’s main station fume free

Adelaide Metro is continuing South Australia’s long history of innovation in rail with their work on eliminating diesel fumes from Adelaide’s completely covered main station.

Last month RISSB was thrilled to visit and tour the Adelaide Metro facility at Dry Creek, currently managed by Keolis Downer Rail (KDR). This site visit was a fantastic opportunity for RISSB to learn about the work that RISSB members have been doing to reduce emissions and introduce new technologies into the Australian Railway Industry.

RISSB fully supports the use of new technologies through the development and update to Australian Standards, Codes of Practice and Guidelines, such as the soon to be released AS 7655 Wayside Electrical Charging Interface and the white paper The Track to Decarbonised Rolling Stock. Updates to AS 7523 Rolling Stock Emergency Equipment and AS 7529 Australian Railway Rolling Stock – Fire Safety will further support the safe introduction and use of these new technologies.

Adelaide Metro and KDR have converted forty-five 3000 class suburban railcars to diesel-battery hybrid operation. In collaboration with ABB, KDR and Adelaide Metro have developed a system that has reduced fuel consumption by over 30%, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

A smart element of the system is the use of geo-fencing. Adelaide’s main station is completely covered which has resulted in an accumulation of diesel fumes within the station precinct. The geo-fenced Adelaide station shuts the diesel engine off on approach to the station, and only allows the engines to restart after leaving the geo-fenced area. This has eliminated diesel fumes from the station, delivering a better experience for passengers and a reduced health risk.

A history of innovation

In the 1920s the appointment of William Webb heralded a new wave of locomotive design, bringing significant efficiencies to the railways. Later, in 1949, the South Australian Railways built the first diesel electric locomotive in Australia, right in the Islington Workshops in Adelaide. South Australia was also the starting point for the National Rail Corporation (Australia’s first effort in having a national operator), and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

RISSB would like to thank Mohit Sareen, Acting Service Delivery Director and Chris Stinchcombe, Director of Engineering and Projects for showing us the fantastic work being done at Adelaide Metro.