The use of a moveable overhead conductor rail to eliminate the need to use diesel locomotives at freight terminals where traditional fixed electrification equipment would obstruct loading and unloading is being demonstrated in the UK, and a trial in India is planned.
The Decarbonisation & Electrification of Freight Terminals project began in 2020 when the Rail Forum Midlands industry association issued a calls for ideas to reduce rail freight emissions.
Swiss electrification equipment specialist Furrer+Frey’s UK business suggested the use of movable 25 kV 50 Hz overhead to eliminate the need for diesel traction at terminals, and after the concept received positive feedback from the wider industry, a successful bid was made for £345 404 of funding under the Department for Transport and Innovate UK’s First of a Kind technology programme.
The DEFT project is being undertaken by Furrer+Frey GB in partnership with operator GB Railfreight and construction materials company Tarmac. Installation at the demonstration site was undertaken by SPL Powerlines.
The moveable overhead conductor bar is based on equipment which Furrer+Frey has supplied to around 120 passenger rolling stock depots worldwide, including Eurostar and Agility Trains depots in the UK. This enables electric passenger trains to run into a depot, with the overhead then retracted so that roof-mounted equipment can be safely accessed for maintenance or replacement.
The passenger systems are designed for indoor use, and the freight demonstration equipment had to be adapted for the harsher outdoor environment with exposure to weather and dirt.