HB-E210 series

HB-E210 series
Sets C8 and C5 in December 2018
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	J-TREC
Type of locomotive	Diesel-electric multiple unit
Family name	Sustina Diesel Hybrid
Constructed	2015
Number built	16 cars (8 sets)
Dimensions	19,500 mm × 2,950 mm × 3,620 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	DMF15HZB-G prime mover
Auxiliary electrical systems	Two 15.2 kWh lithium-ion battery banks
Traction system	Variable frequency (IGBT)
Service information
In service	30 May 2015 – Present
Branding	Hybrid Train
Formation	2 cars per set
Number in service	16 cars (8 sets)
Fleet numbers	C1 – C8
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The HB-E210 series is a suburban low-capacity hybrid diesel-electric multiple unit used by the East Japan Railway Company since May 2015.

History

The HB-E210 series was first announced in early 2014 as a new train for the Senseki-Tōhoku Line, a new rail link intended to connect between the Tōhoku Main Line and Senseki Line after reconstruction works were taking place to aid in the reopening of the entire line. A new train would however be required as the electrification on the Tōhoku Main Line was in AC, while the Senseki Line received DC power; to allow for direct operation between both lines, the line had to be non-electrified.

The first trains were intended to be delivered in 2014, although this was delayed to January 2015 with the delivery of sets C1 and C2. The trains began service on 30 May 2015, along with a ceremony celebrating the resumption of service on the entire Senseki Line at Nobiru Station. All sets are in service and are based at Kogota Depot. In addition to their operations on the Senseki-Tōhoku Line, the trains are sometimes also used for through running on the Ishinomaki and Tōhoku Main Lines but only on a small stretch of both lines.

Design

The HB-E210 series use a contemporary squared-off design similar to many other modern J-TREC locomotives, featuring dual top-mounted headlights and a large front windshield. The trains feature pink, blue and green accents to evoke the colors of the various lines of the Tōhoku Region (particularly the Tōhoku and Senseki Lines) and the cherry blossoms growing in Hiyoriyama Park in Ishinomaki. The front features a design where pink and blue squares overlap to create green, intending to signify a connection between the Sendai and Ishinomaki Regions. The Hybrid Train branding is seen prominently on all sides of the cars.

Specifications

Construction is of stainless steel based on J-TREC's sustina concept. The train is largely based on the KiHa E200 series which run on the Koumi Line. Three color LED destination displays are present on the cabs and sides, while LCD destination displays are located in the interior; a second LCD screen is used to display the status of the hybrid system. The cabs have also been strengthened to prevent side collisions.

The trains are powered by DMF15HZB-G prime movers which produce 443 hp (331 kW); each car is equipped with one of these prime movers plus two banks of 15.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries. Being a hybrid train, the train also uses Hitachi IGBT inverters which produce a hissing sound. At standstill, stored energy from the batteries is used to power auxiliary equipment on the train, such as air conditioning and lights. On moving from standstill, energy stored from the same batteries drives the traction motors via the onboard inverter; at this stage, the engine does not function. The engine will only cut in when the train needs further acceleration or if it is scaling a gradient for added power.

See also

• Wikipedia.org