HS2 will trial technology developed for Formula 1 (F1) motorsport which will aim to cut fuel consumption, carbon emissions and improve air quality at one of its London construction sites.
As part of HS2 Ltd’s Innovation programme, a tower crane on the railway’s Euston approaches site, that would normally be powered by a 500kVA diesel generator to lift loads of up to 24 tonnes is instead being driven by one less than half that size.
The site, where HS2’s London tunnels surface is operated by the project’s tier one civils contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV).
The significantly smaller 200kVA generator’s power difference is bridged by pairing it with an energy storing flywheel system developed and supplied by Silverstone-based engineering specialist PUNCH Flybrid.
Rob Cairns, Innovation Manager, HS2, said:
“Delivering Britain’s zero carbon, high speed rail network for the 21st century is a national endeavour that is drawing on skills and technology both in and beyond the rail and construction sectors. Our trial work with PUNCH Flybrid is another great example of how investing in long term national infrastructure programmes creates opportunities to draw on technology from across the economy that could potentially unlock significant benefits for our industry.”