Engineers have demonstrated a composite electrification cantilever that aims to slash the cost of railway electrification. At two-fifths the weight of a contemporary steel counterpart, it marks the first major design overhaul of overhead line cantilevers in decades.
Such a dramatic weight reduction aims to make manufacture, installation and renewal significantly cheaper and easier – making rail electrification investments go further.
The patented ‘Innovative Cantilever for Greener Electrification (ICAGE)’ created by overhead line specialists, Furrer+Frey, was demonstrated at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) in South Wales. The prototype was one of 10 demonstrations being demonstrated as a result of a competition to stimulate innovation in railway construction, managed by InnovateUK and funded by the Department of Business and Trade.
Noel Dolphin, head of UK projects at Furrer+Frey GB said: “This self-insulating, low-mass composite has implications across the whole design and build of electrification, for example, reducing piling depths, saving fuel in transport and installation, and using smaller plant.
“It’s essential that we electrify our rail network – not just to cut carbon but to unlock its full potential for passengers and freight.
“Every innovation that helps us on this mission is invaluable. Chipping away at cost helps us get more for every pound spent.
“This innovation wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and hard work of our team, InnovateUK for supporting our idea, our partners at the National Composites Centre, and Global Centre of Rail Excellence for letting us prove it.
“We’re now looking for partners to continue testing and developing the cantilever towards main line testing.”
Using non-conductive composites means there is no need for heavy and costly insulators, typically paired with a metal cantilever and mast to stop high Voltage electricity jumping.