Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has recently developed and launched the more environmentally friendly “Prismo” as a new brand in the Crystal Mover family of fully automated driverless train systems (AGT (Note 1): Automated Guideway Transit), which the company has been delivering to the world since the 2000s. Prismo is the first to adopt Mitsubishi’s newly developed energy management system, which enhances energy efficiency by combining rapid charging at stations with regenerative storage while in motion. This eliminates the need for overhead lines between stations (a catenary-less system), realizing a simple system. It will take the world of fully automated driverless trains to the next stage.
This energy management system is equipped with the next-generation energy storage module “MHPB,” which has been jointly developed by Musashi Energy Solutions Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, customized for AGT.
The adoption of this energy management system allows the regenerative power generated when trains decelerate during operation to be stored and utilized without waste in the train, achieving approximately 10% more energy-efficient operation (Note 2) and reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 10% compared to conventional AGT systems.In addition , because there is no need for power supply via overhead lines between stations, passengers can be transported to the next station without any problems even in the unlikely event of a power outage.
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Furthermore, Prismo’s adoption of a center guide system (Note 3) allows for a slim track design, significantly reducing infrastructure construction costs, including civil engineering structures, and contributing to improved scenery. In addition, the reduction in overhead lines and guides also significantly reduces the work required to inspect and replace electrical and track equipment, lowering maintenance costs.
In addition, by manufacturing vehicles at our Carbon Neutral Transition Hub Mihara, which has reduced factory CO2 emissions by 97.5% by providing all necessary electricity with electricity from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Wada-oki Solar Power Plant, and by reducing the amount of infrastructure required, CO2 emissions during the manufacturing and construction of the new transportation system will be reduced by more than 40% compared to conventional products.(Note 2) CO2 emissions over the entire lifecycle of the new transportation system, including the above-mentioned manufacturing and construction, energy-saving operation, maintenance and disposal, will be reduced by approximately 6,400 tons compared to conventional products.(Note 2)
With Prismo, which is environmentally friendly, reduces operating costs and improves urban scenery, MHI will continue to strive towards realizing a carbon-neutral society through urban transportation.
SOURCE: MHI
