Technology Innovation : Mobility

1. Design of Express Train for Taiwan

Based on a 10-year procurement plan (covering 2015 to 2024), Taiwan Railways Administration, MOTC (TRA) is undertaking a major procurement and expansion program to increase capacity and replace aging rolling stock. Under this plan, Hitachi has received an order from TRA and its procurement agent, the Bank of Taiwan, for 600 Intercity Electric Multiple Units (EMU) (50 trains of 12 units each). The contract was finalized in January 2019.

The design of the rolling stock was based on the concept of building Intercity EMU that would be internationally admired and was undertaken through a joint study by TRA, its invited design experts from Taiwan, and Hitachi. Along with the exterior and interior designs, this work also included measures to verify whether the designs would be accepted by the trains’ many stakeholders and whether they would find it easy to use on the basis of operation, universal design, and other such considerations.

Press conferences were held during December 2019 in Hualien and Taitung on the east coast of Taiwan and the design was exhibited at Taipei Station. The exhibit attracted a lot of attention, such that the initial three-day schedule was extended for another week. The project has now moved on to the rolling stock manufacturing phase and is making steady progress toward delivery in 2021.

[1] CG model Intercity EMU for TRA

2. Development of Durability Assessment Technique for Plastic and Its Application to Structural Parts

Hitachi has developed an accelerated degradation test method for plastic that replicates long-term use under actual conditions, and also a safe-life design method.

Being lighter than metal, plastic is increasingly being applied to structural materials in mobility components. Meanwhile, environmental factors such as heat and moisture degrade plastic to cause a decrease in strength. When applying plastic to parts that require safety for several decades, it is necessary to identify the effects of plastic degradation under actual conditions and to formulate design standards that ensure product safety.

Hitachi has developed testing and assessment techniques for plastic applied to elevator pulleys. Focusing on the molecular structure and water content involved in plastic degradation, The company established an accelerated test method that replicates plastic degradation equivalent to the useful life in a short period through analysis based on reaction kinetics. Furthermore, Hitachi has also developed a design method for ensuring the safety of parts by taking into account the decrease in plastic strength during long-term use and deformation due to water absorption. The methods were utilized to apply plastic pulleys to standard elevators. The company achieved a weight reduction of 85% and a cost reduction of 40% compared to conventional metal pulleys.

[2] Flowchart of development of durability assessment technique for plastic

3. System for Driving Technique Visualization