Melbourne, 03 April 2008
New evidence shows that the introduction of the Perth-to-Mandurah railway is changing the way Western Australians use public transport. Opened in December 2007, the 72km Perth-to-Mandurah Railway is one of the largest completed infrastructure projects in Western Australia.
Statistics show that during January 2008, there were 500,000 more public transport boardings than in the same month a year ago. The Mandurah line is expected to remove 21,000 cars off the Kwinana Freeway each working day and is part of a 105km public transport spine from Clarkson to Mandurah.
Siemens successfully designed and supplied the overhead electrification and traction power systems for the project.
Siemens Executive General Manager for the Mobility division, Paul Bennett, said: “This outstanding achievement represents the first move by Siemens into the area of rail electrification infrastructure in Australia.
“Siemens has been setting milestones in railway electrification since 1879 - from the first electric locomotive and first trolley wire to modern overhead contact lines for ever faster trains and energy storage systems for mass transit systems.
“Our extensive experience globally and superior technology has contributed to Siemens establishing itself as a unique rail solutions partner for the rail industry in Australia and New Zealand,” said Mr Bennett.
New technologies and techniques that were used in this project included Siemens SITRAS® ASG25 switchgear and Siemens SIPROTEC numerical protection relays. Siemens simulation system software was also utilised to simulate the electrification system to determine the design parameters for the project.
Paul Bennett added, “Siemens had the competitive edge because we could offer the complete electrification package, from the overhead line to traction supplies to engineering studies. Backed by a strong track record in electrification projects as well as Australian rail projects, Siemens was the obvious choice.”
The traction power supply system feeds electricity (AC 25 kV/50 Hz) to the overhead line system and comprises:
- two 132/25 kV traction substations and 25 kV feeder stations
- 132 kV control and protection panels
- four 25kV track sectioning cabins
- booster transformers
- emergency supply transformers
- protection relays
- traction power / return conductor / traction bonding cables
As part of the project, Siemens updated the existing overhead system design for track alignment changes, new mast designs, new overhead line components and supplied the overhead catenary system components and materials.
Siemens was also responsible for the successful system design and validation, and provided the Traction Power System Study, Protection Coordination Study, Earthing and Bonding Study and the Earthing and Bonding Guidelines.