The DGBC2 series is a Japanese self-recharging battery electric multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company from September to December 2014.
History[]
The DGBC2 series was designed and produced by Kinki Sharyo in 2012 and unveiled to the press in October 2012; it was branded Smart BEST. The set was intended to be tested on various JR West lines; Kinki Sharyo's goal was to have battery-electric technology be put into practical use within ten years. From October to December 2012, the set was based at Gōto Depot and was tested on the San'in Main Line, Sakai Line and Hakubi Line to determine fuel consumption, battery performance and power flow control settings.
From 6 to 13 December 2013, the set was relocated to Takamatsu Depot on Shikoku and tested on the Kōtoku Line. A test-run event was held on the Tokushima Line on 17 January 2014; this event was so popular a second event was scheduled on 28 January 2014.
JR West announced on 10 February 2014 that as part of the Wakayama Destination Campaign, the set would enter commercial operation for a three-month period from September to December 2014 on the Kinokuni Line. Commercial operation began on 13 September 2014, with the set carrying a special Hello Kitty livery for the occasion. Commercial operation concluded with the end of the campaign on 13 December 2014, and the set was towed back to Kinki Sharyo.
The set remains stored at Kinki Sharyo's Osaka Factory as of 2018 with its livery removed.
Design[]
The DGBC2 series set features a squared-off design with top-mounted round headlights. The body design is based on the 225 series cars; it has a cab resembling that of the Series 21 sets used by the Kintetsu Railway.
Specifications[]
Construction is of stainless steel. The set uses GS Yuasa LIM30H-8A batteries arranged into 21 rows connected in series, along with an auxiliary diesel generator. The set is recharged through regenerative brakes. This powers IGBT traction motors which produce a hissing sound.
Gallery[]
The set as of 2016
Trivia[]
- Kinki Sharyo HARMO, experimental battery-electric diesel railcar
| JR West rolling stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | AC EMUs | Shinkansen: 500 • 700 • N700 • N700S • W7 Non-revenue Shinkansen: 923 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| DC EMUs | Commuter: 103 • 105 • 113 • 115 • 117 • 123 • 125 • 201 • 205 • 207 • 213 • 221 • 223 • 225 • 227 • 321 • 323 Limited Express: 271 • 273 • 281 • 283 • 285 • 287 • 289 • 381 Non-revenue: 145 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dual-current EMUs | Commuter: 521 Limited Express: 681 • 683 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMUs | Commuter: KiHa 40 • KiHa 120 • KiHa 121/126 • KiHa 122/127 Limited Express: KiHa 187 • KiHa 189 Non-revenue: KiYa 141 • KiYa 143 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrid DEMUs | Charter: 87 Non-revenue: DEC700 • DEC741 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Withdrawn | AC EMUs | Shinkansen: 0 • 100 • 300 Non-revenue Shinkansen: 922 • 500-900 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| DC EMUs | Commuter: 42 • 83 • 84 • 101 • 211 Limited Express: 165 • 167 • 183 Non-revenue: 90 • 91 • 213/223-9000 • 441 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dual-current EMUs | Commuter: 413 • 415 • 419 • 455 • 457 • 471 • 475 Limited Express: 485 • 489 • 583 Non-revenue: 443 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMUs | Commuter: KiHa 33 • KiHa 35 • KiHa 37 • KiHa 45 • KiHa 52 Express: KiHa 58 • KiHa 65 Limited Express: KiHa 181 Non-revenue: KiYa 191 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrid BEMUs | Commuter: DGBC2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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