China Develops World's First Airport Supercapacitor Discharge Tram

The world's first autonomous airport supercapacitor discharge tram rolled off the production line in Central China's Hunan province on Aug 22. It is expected to be used at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Southwest China's Yunnan province.

Developed by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC), the tram is powered by a high-energy supercapacitor which can store as much as 80 kWh of electricity, making it the largest of its kind in China.

Moreover, the supercapacitor is capable of absorbing energy released by braking, with a recycling rate of more than 85 percent. This realizes the goals of high and cyclic utilization of energy and contributes to environmental protection and energy conservation.

With seven carriages, the tram can travel at a maximum speed of 70 km per hour and is charged while the passengers get on and off.

What's more, it is also China's first tram equipped with autonomous driving technology, saving labor resources and improving tram system efficiency.

It's worth mentioning that the tram uses a low-floor design, creating an easy boarding experience for passengers with luggage.

CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. pioneered using a supercapacitor on light rail vehicles in 2012 and developed the world's first commercial supercapacitor discharge tramcar in 2014, which was then used on a light rail in Guangzhou, in South China's Guangdong province.

At present, supercapacitor discharge tramcars developed by the company can be seen in many cities like Wuhan in Central China's Hubei province, Huaian in East China's Jiangsu province, Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province and Shenzhen in Guangdong.

The company will continue to explore transportation solutions in different cities and provide them with high performance technology and quality products, contributing to the strengthening of China's transportation infrastructure.

The world's first autonomous airport supercapacitor discharge tram, developed by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. in Central China's Hunan province, is completed on Aug 22. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)