An energy system developed for Formula One (F1) has been deployed to power a tower crane at HS2’s Euston site.
The crane, which would normally be powered by a 500kVA diesel generator to lift loads of up to 24t, is instead being driven by an energy storing flywheel system developed and supplied by Silverstone-based engineering specialist Punch Flybrid.
Incorporated inside the Punch Flybrid-supplied unit, the flywheel, measuring just 35cm in diameter, is housed in a vacuum chamber to all but eliminate energy-sapping resistance that would result from contact with the air.
The kinetic energy stored by the flywheel can then be quickly released to support the generator when the crane demands maximum power to lift heavy loads.
HS2 Innovation manager, Rob Cairns, said: “Delivering Britain’s zero carbon, high speed rail network for the 21st century is a national endeavour that is drawing on skills and technology both in and beyond the rail and construction sectors.
“Our trial work with Punh Flybrid is another great example of how investing in long term national infrastructure programmes creates opportunities to draw on technology from across the economy that could potentially unlock significant benefits for our industry.”
The Euston site is operated by a joint venture between Skanska Costain and Strabag (SCS JV).
SCS JV managing director, James Richardson, said: “SCS JV is committed to reducing our environmental footprint by identifying innovations like this flywheel technology, which has immediately halved our diesel consumption of one of our cranes operating at our Euston approaches site.”
Punch Flybrid managing director, Tobias Knichel, added: “We developed our flywheel technology to improve performance and efficiency at the very pinnacle of the automotive industry, but its fundamentals mean there are opportunities to deploy its benefits in other sectors.
“That’s why we’re very pleased to have an opportunity to utilise the technology for the construction industry under HS2’s Innovation programme.”
Image: An artist’s impression of the new HS2 station at Euston.
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