By Filipinos, for Filipinos

DOST'S HYBRID ELECTRIC TRAIN

If you would ask a Filipino commuter what his is her ultimate wish, it would definitely be a comfortable and hassle-free transport system. The reality though heaves much to be desired.

To make the dream closer to reality, the government resumed the operations of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in 2013 after its suspension due to a series of typhoons from 2006 to 2012. It is currently operating as the most affordable commuter rail line that ventures from Metm Manila to Laguna and to the Dial Region.

Since that time however, PNR commuters have increasingly taken a ride on the trains, resulting to highly congested trips and uncomfortable train rides especially during rush hours. lb address this problem, the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) developed a five-coach hybrid electric train, capable of carrying 220 passengers per coach and run safely at 40 kph on the existing PNR hacks.

The P120-million project was initiated in 2013 and since then has been undergoing several tests to adhere to the specifications and safety standards of the PNK and the engineering firm Systra Philippines, Inc. (SPI).

"The hybrid electric train is one of the mass transport solutions the DONT-MIR DC has developed that is composed of two power sources: the diesel generator set and batteries: said Engr. Robert O. Dizon, executive di rector of DOST-M I RDC.

The technology is said to be efficient because it has regenerative capability, with its batteries having the ability to store generated energy as it runs and stops. It is also considered eco-friendly, because it cao reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 percent compared to the existing trains in service. The hybrid electric I rain has been subjected to several test runs and modifications, with SPI saying that it has strong potential as a man transport system. lb date, the hybrid electric train has run 1,300 km in eight-hour continuous tests on a 2.7-km test track.

Dr. Rowena Cristina I,. Guevara. Doer Undersecretary (or Research and Development, also said that these tests are necessary to ensure its safety during operations and to check for any possible problems, particularly in the braking system. The hybrid electric train successfully completed a fivo-day demo run during the National Science and Technology Week in July 2018, when it ferried passengers from Buendia Station to EDSA-Pasay Station and back. ■