APTP Articles

Powering Australia’s Rail Network with Reliable DC Systems

For over 30 years, Century Yuasa has led the way in delivering future-proof energy solutions across Australia and New Zealand. Known for reliability, safety, and premium quality, our expertise spans the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of Intelepower Industrial Power Systems. This reputation for excellence made us the partner of choice for a significant rail project in Central Queensland, where we supported the development of a 200 km narrow gauge rail line from a new mining site.

Project Overview: Powering a 200 km Rail Line with Resilient DC Systems

The Central Queensland rail project required a robust power system to support signaling and control along a 200 km track. With extreme weather, high humidity, frequent lightning, and cyclones, this remote environment demanded a reliable power solution. Century Yuasa’s solutions are designed and manufactured in Australia to withstand such demanding environments, maintaining unparalleled quality and value with low Life Cycle costs. Backed by a national network of dedicated engineering, sales, and service teams, we provide seamless, customer-focused support at every stage.

To ensure continuous power, each site was equipped with solar installations featuring battery backups and optional standby generator connections. This resilient setup is designed to maintain an uninterrupted power supply, even in remote areas with limited conventional power access. With a focus on energy efficiency, our control cabinet designs incorporate natural ventilation, reducing heat build-up and optimising equipment longevity.

Optimising Power Efficiency and Longevity

We carefully designed each aspect of the rail project’s power system to maximise efficiency and durability. We conducted comprehensive power consumption and battery reserve calculations for each site, setting the discharge level at only 50% to extend battery life. This approach ensures that the system remains efficient and reliable while minimising maintenance costs.

The solar and battery systems were engineered to provide at least four days of operation without sunlight, meeting the rail line’s needs even during prolonged adverse weather. Our selection of Century GB OPzV lead-acid batteries, known for their resilience in cyclic solar applications, was key to supporting the project’s longevity goals. These batteries provide up to 10 years of service life, ensuring the rail system’s dependability and safeguarding the client’s investment.

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Century Yuasa