BEC819 series
| BEC819 series | |
|---|---|
BEC819 series in July 2020 | |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi Rail |
| Designer | Eiji Mitooka |
| Built at | Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi |
| Family name | A-train |
| Constructed | 2016– |
| Entered service | 19 October 2016 |
| Number built | 36 vehicles (18 sets) |
| Number in service | 36 vehicles (18 sets) |
| Formation | 2 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers |
|
| Operator | JR Kyushu |
| Depot | Nogata Depot |
| Lines served | |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium alloy |
| Train length | 40,000 mm (131 ft 3 in) |
| Car length | 20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in) |
| Width | 2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in) |
| Height | 3,980 mm (13 ft 1 in) (4,096 mm (13 ft 5 in) with pantograph raised) |
| Floor height | 1,125 mm (3 ft 8 in) |
| Doors | 3 pairs per side |
| Maximum speed | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
| Traction system | IGBT–VVVF |
| Traction motors | 4 × MT404K 95 kW (127 hp) 3-phase AC induction motor |
| Power output | 380 kW (510 hp) |
| Electric systems |
|
| Current collection | Pantograph |
| Bogies |
|
| Safety system | ATS-DK |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Notes/references | |
This train won the 60th Blue Ribbon Award in 2017. | |
The BEC819 series (BEC819系), branded "DENCHA" (Dual Energy Charge Train), is a two-car bi-modal electric multiple unit (BEMU) train operated by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) on inter-running services over the Fukuhoku Yutaka Line and Chikuhō Main Line in Fukuoka Prefecture in northern Kyushu, Japan, since October 2016, and also on the Kashii Line.
Background
The JNR KiHa 40 series, based on Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), were run by JR Kyushu's non-electrified railway system areas of which, a section within city yet comparably short-distance's railtracks. JR Kyushu aimed to replace the KiHa 40 series which lead to the creation of the BEC 819 series. Chikuhō Main Line (the Wakamatsu Line) were the first of the railines to implement this series. This was due to Chikuhō Main Line being considered suitable in terms of "route length for battery capacity that could be installed for battery-powered operation," and also because the Kitakyushu City aims to become a "World Environmental Capital,"[1] leading to the introduction on the Wakamatsu Line, which runs within the city.[2] The modified prototype cars, converted from the 817 series—the world's first battery electric train operating under an AC electrification system— the train was produced as a practical, mass-production vehicle. Although the car body and passenger facilities are based on the 817-200 series, feedback from the 305 series cars have been incorporated.[3]
In November, 2014 (Heisei Year 26), JR Kyushu publically announced placing BEC 819 series into service.[4][5][2]
On 29 January 2016 (Heisei Year 28), they announced details. The task of cars's paint and interior designs were going to be handled by Eiji Mitooka (水戸岡鋭治), who which were responsible for many JR Kyushu trains. (see #Design)
On 24 May 2017 (Heisei Year 29), they received the 60th Blue Ribbon Award from the Japanese Railfan club (鉄道友の会).
As a derivative variant, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) introduced the EV-E801 series, based on thus series with adaptation for cold and snow resistance.
Feedback from Battery-powered test trains
From 2012 (Heisei Year 24) to 2013 (Heisei Year 25), there were testing conducted on a modified 817-1000 series train and the following were identified:[6]
- As a modified train based on existing EMU, there were not enough space given under-floor which houses main circuit batteries, resulting in insufficient battery capacity.
- If the pantograph folding height were the same as that of a conventional electric train, there were risk of interference with narrow tunnels located on non-electrified sections.
- The interior lighting would momentary lose power when switching between the drive mode for electrified and non-electrified.
- During a non-electrified section, there is a risk of accidentally leaving the pantograph up and continue creating danger of collision.
Whilst resolving the issues, the designing of this series begain, and running tests were carried out with pre-production mass-produced vehicles.[6]
Design
Based on the earlier 817 series electric multiple unit (EMU) trains,[7] styling of the trains was overseen by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka.[7]
The lithium-ion battery system used has a capacity of 360 kWh and operates at 1,598 V.[8]
Operations
The BEC819 series trains are used on through services over the Fukuhoku Yutaka Line electrified at 20 kV 60 Hz AC and the non-electrified Chikuhō Main Line (known as the "Wakamatsu Line") between Orio and Wakamatsu.
Since late 2018/early 2019, they are also used on the non-electrified Kashii Line.[9][10][11]
These newer vehicles used on the Kashii Line belong to the "300" series (11 trainsets in total), while the slightly older ones used on the Wakamatsu Line are the "0" series (7 trainsets in total).
-
The pantograph lowered while at Wakamatsu Station on the non-electrified Wakamatsu Line in December 2016
-
A photograph of BEC819 series in Doi Station (Fukuoka) with 2 trains on Kashii Line headed towards opposite sides, towards Umi Station (closest train; heading towards right of image) and presumably Kashii Station/Saitozaki Station.
Formations
As of 8 June 2019, the fleet consists of eighteen two-car sets formed as follows, with one motorised ("Mc") car and one non-powered trailer ("TC") car.[12][13]
| Designation | Tc | Mc |
|---|---|---|
| Numbering | KuHa BEC818 | KuMoHa BEC819 |
| Weight (t) | 35.5 | 36.6 |
| Capacity (total/seated) | 131/40 | 133/40 |
- The KuMoHa BEC819 car has one single-arm pantograph.[13]
- The KuHa BEC818 car has a toilet at the inner end.[13]
Interior
Internally, LED lighting is used throughout.[14]
-
The interior of set Z001 in December 2016
-
The mascot Kuro originally from the Asobo-i! express line, featured on the side doors of the BEC819 series train.
-
The unscannable QR codes, non-compliant with QR code standards, used as floor designs, sometimes featuring the DENCHA logo.
History
Initial details of the new train were formally announced by JR Kyushu on 29 January 2016.[14] A pre-series two-car train was delivered from Hitachi's factory in Yamaguchi Prefecture in April 2016.[15] This underwent testing before entering revenue-earning service on 19 October 2016.[16][14] In May 2017, the BEC819 series was awarded the 2017 Blue Ribbon Award, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.[17]
Build histories
The individual build histories of the fleet are as follows.[12]
| Set No. | Manufacturer | Date delivered |
|---|---|---|
| Z001 | Hitachi | 12 May 2016 |
| Z002 | 14 February 2017 | |
| Z003 | ||
| Z004 | ||
| Z005 | 25 February 2017 | |
| Z006 | ||
| Z007 |
See also
- Smart BEST, a self-charging BEMU train developed by Kinki Sharyo in 2012
- EV-E301 series, a DC BEMU introduced by JR East on the Karasuyama Line in 2014
- EV-E801 series, an AC BEMU introduced by JR East on the Oga Line in 2017
References
- ^ "人と地球、そして未来の世代への北九州市民からの約束～世界の環境首都をめざして～（グランド・デザイン）" [A Promise from the Citizens of Kitakyushu to People, the Earth, and Future Generations: Toward Becoming a World Environmental Capital (Grand Design)]. 北九州市環境局環境政策部総務課. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
- ^ a b "蓄電池電車で動力費5割減、JR九州". 畑陽一郎『スマートジャパン』. ITmedia. 28 November 2014.
- ^ 畠田賢司. "BEC819系交流架線式蓄電池電車 の量産開発について" (PDF). 鉄道車両工業 [Railway Rolling Stock & Machinery] (in Japanese) (2017年1月号（No.481）). 日本鉄道車輌工業会: 13–18.
- ^ "JR九州の蓄電池電車、若松線に投入…2016年秋から". Response. イード. 28 November 2014.
- ^ a b 畠田賢司. "BEC819系交流架線式蓄電池電車 の量産開発について" (PDF). 鉄道車両工業 (2017年1月号（No.481）). 日本鉄道車輌工業会: 13–18.
- ^ a b JR九州 架線式蓄電池電車"DENCHA"今秋デビュー [JR Kyushu "DENCHA" battery train to debut this autumn]. Tetsudo Hobidas (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing Co., Ltd. 29 January 2016. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
- ^ Taguchi, Yoshiaki; et al. (January 2018). "Development and Evaluation of the Traction Circuit for Battery-Powered and AC-Fed Hybrid Train". RTRI Report. 32 (1): 41. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
- ^ "筑肥線「糸島高校前駅」が開業します。香椎線が快適に生まれ変わります。" (PDF) (Press release). 九州旅客鉄道. 14 December 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
- ^ "蓄電池電車「DENCHA」、非電化の香椎線に進出 JR九州" [Battery Electric Train “DENCHA" enters Service on the Non-Electrified Kashii Line — JR Kyushu]. 乗りものニュース [Vehicle News]. 14 December 2018. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
- ^ "JR九州、蓄電池電車導入拡大へ". 共同通信. 12 December 2018. Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
- ^ a b Jr電車編成表 2018冬 JR電車編成表 2018冬 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2018] (in Japanese). Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 15 November 2017. p. 221. ISBN 978-4-330-84117-5.
- ^ a b c BEC819系 交流架線式蓄電池電車 [819 series overhead-wire battery EMU]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 56, no. 667. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. November 2016. pp. 70–71.
- ^ a b c JR九州、819系「DENCHA」デビューへ エコでスマートな“蓄電池電車” [JR Kyushu to introduce 819 series "DENCHA" - an economical and smart battery train]. Tetsudo Shimbun (in Japanese). Japan. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
- ^ 819系が甲種輸送される [819 series delivered]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 12 April 2016. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ 地球にやさしい“蓄電池電車”「ＤＥＮＣＨＡ」運行開始 ＪＲ筑豊線 [Environmentally friendly "Dencha" battery train enters service on JR Chikuho Line]. Sankei West (in Japanese). Japan: The Sankei Shimbun & Sankei Digital. 19 October 2016. Archived from the original on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2016.
- ^ "2017's Blue Ribbon Prize and Laurel Prize". jrc.gr.jp. Japan: Japan Railfan Club. May 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
Further reading
- Hatada, Kenji (December 2016). BEC819系 交流架線式蓄電池電車 [BEC819 series AC BEMU]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 56, no. 668. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. pp. 60–65.
External links
- JR Kyushu press release (29 January 2016) (in Japanese)