Zero emission pilot tastes like more for Strukton Rail
Emission-free work is the future. In the Netherlands, Strukton Rail is conducting pilot projects to gain knowledge and experience, gradually working towards that future. In Hardinxveld-Giessendam, a province in South Holland, two electric tamping machines (e-krols) and an emission-free power supply were used for the first time.
“We are at the beginning of the energy transition within our organisation,” says Vincent Bosman, Sustainability Project Manager at Strukton Rail Equipment, on the rail builder’s website. “The ultimate goal is to eliminate all emissions from machinery and equipment during operations. To achieve this, we need to gain knowledge and experience by implementing new technology in practice. That’s why we run pilots, like in Hardinxveld-Giessendam.”
During the weekend of March 8 to 11, two e-krols were first used there during track renewal works: one from Strukton Rail and one from Berende Rail and Groundworks. The track had to be cleared of ballast and shifted by 40 centimetres to make room for the chain harrow, the track maintenance machine used for maintaining the ballast bed. Each e-krol had two battery packs. The onboard battery management system of each machine determined which battery pack was used. After the service, the battery packs could be recharged using the six battery systems present in the compound: four for charging the tamping machines and two for other facilities, such as the welfare unit and the catering wagon.
Pros and cons of e-krol
“The tasks we perform demand a lot from a machine. I was surprised at how well the e-krol could handle it,” says crane operator Maurice Temminck. It was his and his colleague crane operator Youp Deijkers’ first experience with emission-free work. Maurice had some reservations beforehand. “For example, I had little confidence in the battery life. But that fear turned out to be unfounded. The machine easily ran for an entire shift. And it even worked better than a diesel machine because the e-krol has much more speed!”
‘I had little confidence in the battery life. But that fear turned out to be unfounded.’
Youp also agree. “The motor is more powerful than the diesel version and quieter. The performances are almost identical. It will be interesting to use the e-krol for other tasks to see where it performs best.”
Strukton Rail’s e-krol was a ‘vintage’ machine converted for pilot use. Therefore, the comfort was somewhat lacking. “As an operator, you really go back in time,” Maurice says. He is also less pleased with the placement of the battery packs on the e-krol as they obstruct the rearview. “When you have to reverse a lot, as in this job, you want to be able to see behind you due to the risk of collisions and not just rely on a screen. As an operator, you need to oversee your path. I would advocate for mounting the battery packs elsewhere or ensuring that the crane operator always has guidance when reversing. However, that cannot be implemented at every location.”
Youp sees this aspect within a broader discussion about safety and working with the e-krol. “Emission-free work requires a different way of working, with the machines and with each other. If you can’t look behind, colleagues should also consider that and support you as an operator. But we are only at the beginning. I think everyone realises that much needs to change. And we can learn a lot from this first machine to make better ones later.”
Addressing improvement points
Indeed, emission-free workplaces have different safety demands, Vincent also acknowledges. “The diesel generator is replaced by a high-voltage installation with battery packs. This brings other risks, which is a focal point for us as an organisation. Regarding pilots, we have close consultations with the safety region and the environmental service.” He finds it very valuable that the pilot also revealed other concrete improvement points. “That way, we can continue to work on them.”
Overall, there is a positive feeling: the works were successfully completed, and the track could even be put back into service four hours earlier than planned. “The pilot was a great success,” says Vincent. “Of course, not everything went smoothly. For example, we wanted to test fast charging but couldn’t arrange a system for that. We also encountered minor technical challenges that we could solve on-site. Above all, we learned a lot. So, after the weekend, we can conclude that the e-krol can easily run for eight hours continuously. I would even dare say that it could easily run for ten hours. Of course, this all depends heavily on the tasks being performed, the outside temperature, and how the operator works with it.”
Hopefully using the traction network in the future
The works in Hardinxveld-Giessendam are a first step towards emission-free work. More pilots are needed, with different sizes, tasks, and products from different suppliers, to keep progressing. The energy supply for charging is also a point of attention. Vincent: “We now had six relatively small systems. But our client has a traction network with plenty of electricity available. Hopefully, we can use that in the future.”
In short, there is still plenty to investigate. “Everyone is enthusiastic. It leaves us wanting more!” concludes Vincent.
This article was first published in Dutch on our sister publication SpoorPro.com.
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