Smart BEST

Smart BEST

The Smart BEST train in service in "Hello Kitty" livery, September 2014
Manufacturer Kinki Sharyo
Built at Osaka
Constructed 2012
Number built 2 vehicles (1 set)
Formation 2 cars per trainset
Capacity 259 per set
Specifications
Car length 20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)
Width 2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Floor height 1,120 mm (3 ft 8 in)
Doors 3 pairs per side
Maximum speed 100 km/h (60 mph)
Acceleration 2.3 km/h/s
Deceleration 3.1 km/h/s
Electric system(s) Battery
Bogies KD318 (motored), KD318A (trailer)
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The Smart BEST is an experimental Japanese two-car self-charging battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) train developed and manufactured by Kinki Sharyo in 2012 to demonstrate the feasibility of battery train technology for use on non-electrified rural lines.[1] The name is an acronym for "Battery Engine Synergy Train".[1] The train has been tested on JR West and JR Shikoku lines since late 2012.[1][2]

Overview

The Smart BEST train operates using GS Yuasa LIM30H-8A lithium-ion storage battery modules[3] recharged in operation by a small-capacity "e-Brid Plus" diesel engine.[4] The train normally operates at a maximum speed of 70 km/h (45 mph), but is capable of 100 km/h (60 mph) over short distances.[4]

Formation

The two-car train is formed as shown below, with one motored (M) car and one non-powered trailer (T) car.[4]

Designation Mc Tc
Numbering DGBC2A-1 DGBC2B-1
Passenger capacity (total/seated) 129/52 130/51

Interior

Seating accommodation is arranged as 2+2 abreast transverse seating with seat backs that flip over to face the direction of travel.[4]

History

The "Smart BEST" train was unveiled to the media in October 2012 at the Kinki Sharyo factory in Osaka,[4] before being moved to Yonago, Tottori for test running on the Sanin Main Line, Sakai Line, and Hakubi Line.[5][6] It was returned to Kinki Sharyo in December 2012.[7] In December 2013, the train was moved to Takamatsu, Kagawa, and started test running on a number of lines in Shikoku, including the Kōtoku Line, Naruto Line, and Tokushima Line.[2]

From September until December 2014, the train was used in revenue service on promotional "Hello Kitty" services in the Wakayama area.[8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "近畿車輛バッテリー電車"Smart BEST"を開発" [Kinki Sharyo develops "Smart BEST" battery train]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine (in Japanese) (Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun) 41 (344): p.70–71. December 2012.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "「Smart BEST」が高徳線で試運転" ["Smart BEST" test run on Kotoku Line]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  3. ↑ "GSユアサのLiイオン2次電池、近畿車輛のバッテリ電車「Smart BEST」に採用" [GS Yuasa Li-ion batteries to be used in Kinki Sharyo "Smart BEST" battery train]. Tech On (in Japanese). Japan: Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "近畿車輛が開発した非電化路線用バッテリ電車「Smart BEST」" ["Smart BEST" battery EMU developed by Kinki Sharyo for non-electrified lines]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese) (Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd.) 53 (621): p.62–63. January 2013.
  5. ↑ ""Smart BEST" 甲種輸送" ["Smart BEST" moved]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 24 October 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  6. ↑ 近畿車輛株式会社が開発した自己充電型バッテリー車両の走行試験について [Test running of battery train developed by Kinki Sharyo]. Press release (in Japanese). Japan: West Japan Railway Company. 30 October 2012. Archived from the original on 6 June 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  7. ↑ ""Smart BEST" 甲種輸送で返却される" ["Smart BEST" returned]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 13 December 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  8. ↑ 快速“ハローキティ和歌山号”運転開始 [Rapid "Hello Kitty Wakayama" service starts]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2014.

External links

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