The World's First 100% Solar-Powered Train

The world’s first truly solar-powered train is ready to serve a small line in Australia. The Byron Bay Railroad Company restored a vintage 1949 NSW train and retrofitted it with solar panels and an on-board battery bank.

BBRC has designed their new creation to be 100% solar-powered -- all systems including traction power, lighting, control circuits, and air compressors operate via the sun (a world’s first). Regenerative braking recovers about 25% of the spent energy each time the brakes are applied, and on especially cloudy days, the batteries are charged from the local grid supply using 100% green energy (according to BBRC).

For backup (to the backup) power, the restored train comes equipped with a Cummins 14 litre NT855 clean diesel engine. And needless to say, BBRC’s solar train is efficient:

“Due to the fact that the track is level with only one small curve, the train can run on a minimal amount of energy with the engine idle most of the time. During diesel operation, with a capacity of 100 seated passengers the train will use only 3.2 litres of fuel for the 6km return journey. This is less than a Sydney bus with a capacity of 50 seated passengers,” the company notes.

The battery system powers dual electric AC traction motors providing 220 kw of power, and a full battery can supposedly make 12-15 trips. Meanwhile, dual 22 kw 3-phase chargers top off the battery when at the platform.

Sounds great, right? So what’s the downside? For one, it’ll move very slowly – the company touts the train’s low overall noise, but either way, it won’t be conducive to busy commuters. Still, it’s a neat solar application, especially given the retro decor.

Read more here: http://byronbaytrain.com.au/sustainability/