QF’s tram system to be energy-efficient

Avenio tram system, a first of its kind in the country, will be 25 percent more energy efficient, and will emit much less CO2, almost by the same percentage.

The state-of-the-art tram system will be equipped with Sitras Hybrid Energy Storage system (HES) which will not require a parallel over head electric line along the tracks, a senior official of Siemens said yesterday.  

The official through his presentation highlighted the various features and specifications of the ambitious tram system at the monthly members meeting of the German Business Council Qatar (GBCQ) which was held here at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The German electronics and electrical giant won the order from Qatar Foundation (QF) to supply Qatar’s first and the Middle East’s most energy-efficient tram system to make the Education City car-free by 2015.

About 19 trams, including two on standby, will run on 11.5km of track at an average speed of 40km per hour without any overhead contact lines. The installed capacitors fitted in the tram will be re-charged by the energy supplied at the tram stops for 40 seconds, which will be sufficient to cover the distance of 600 metres between the two stations.

Asked, what if the tram has to stop mid-way for emergency, how will it get power, CEO of Siemens WLL, Martin A Porta, said: “The tram will have a dual power system; capacitors as well as batteries. It will be very easy to switch over from one mode to the other. We have used capacitors as they take much lesser time than batteries to re-charge.”

All the 19 Avenio trams will be 27.7m long and 2.55m wide. Each with a capacity to carry about 240 passengers will provide hassle-free and comfortable transportation to all the visitors of the Education City including students and faculty members. Most of the stations will be air-conditioned with seating arrangements and many other facilities and an extra powerful air-conditioning system, special sun shades on the roof will protect the electrical equipment from radiant heat.

The other important features of the tram include double-leaf doors and low-floor design which will help passenger to board and get down from the tram easily.

Asked to comment about the estimated cost of the project, Porta jokingly said: “We would like this question to remain unanswered. If you insist, we would still be giving the same figure of ¤100m that was announced initially,” hinting not to be the actual cost of the project.

Meanwhile, the business people present at the GBCQ event enjoyed the briefing given by Porta, informing the attendees about Siemens’ light tram project with Qatar Foundation.

Later Boris van Thiel, Chairman of the GBCQ, took the opportunity to introduce the new GBCQ Membership Cards. In order to enhance the members’ feeling of belonging to one of the significant business councils of Qatar, these cards will grant various discounts for business services and hotels & restaurants.

Each member of the GBCQ will receive his/her personal Membership Card and is able to find more information under www.gbcqatar.com/membership-cards.

Finally Boris van Thiel thanked IBQ International Bank of Qatar for being the annual Diamond Sponsor of GBCQ and contributing to making the meetings possible. After the presentation and discussion the GBCQ members and business associates enjoyed business networking during a light dinner buffet.

source: The Peninsula

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