HEMU-430X explained

HEMU-430X
Manufacturer:Hyundai Rotem
Family:KTX
Yearconstruction:2010–2011
Numberbuilt:1
Numberservice:0
Formation:TC+4M+MC
  • TC: trailer car (unpowered driving trailer)
  • M: motorized intermediate car
  • MC: motorized trailer car (powered driving trailer)
Operator:Korail
Depots:Osong
Lines:Gyeongbu High Speed Railway
Honam High Speed Railway
Carbody:Aluminium, composite
Trainlength:147.4abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Carlength:End cars: 23.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Intermediate cars: 25.1abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Width:3100abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Height:3720abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Maxspeed:Planned in tests/design:
4300NaN0
Planned in service (KTX-III):
350-
Weight:Axle load

max. 14t

Acceleration:0.5m/s2 up to 1500NaN0
0 to...
  • 3000NaN0: 230 s and 11.67km (07.25miles)
  • 0to in 346 s and 22.27km (13.84miles)
  • 0to in 673 s and 56.98km (35.41miles)
Traction:18 three-phase asynchronous induction motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors
IGBT-based VVVF inverters
Poweroutput:20 x 410kW (8.2MW)
Electricsystem:25 kV/60 Hz AC overhead line
Collectionmethod:Pantograph
Uicclass:2'2' + Bo'Bo' + Bo'Bo' + Bo'Bo' + Bo'Bo' + Bo'Bo'
Brakes:Eddy current, regenerative, rheostatic, disc
Safety:TVM 430, ATP, ATC
Multipleworking:Yes

HEMU-430X (standing for High-Speed Electric Multiple Unit 430 km/h eXperimental) is a South Korean high-speed train intended for a maximum speed of 4300NaN0. On 31 March 2013, it achieved 421.4km/h in a test run, making South Korea the world's fourth country after France, Japan and China to develop a high-speed train running above 420abbr=onNaNabbr=on.[1] The main new feature of the train compared to older South Korean high-speed trains is distributed traction. The commercial versions of the trains, tentatively named the EMU-260 (as of October 2022, officially "Eum") and EMU-320 (as of April 2024, officially "Cheongryong"), were delivered to Korail from 2020 to 2021.

History

The original 1991 plan for the Korea Train Express (KTX) high-speed rail system foresaw an operating speed of 350abbr=onNaNabbr=on to enable a travel time under two hours between Seoul in the northwest and Busan in the southeast of South Korea, the termini of the first line.[2] Later, planned top speed was reduced to the 300abbr=onNaNabbr=on maximum of existing high-speed trains on the market.[2] Korail then ordered high-speed trains on the basis of Alstom's TGV Réseau, the KTX-I, which started KTX service on 1 April 2004,[3] and operate at a top speed increased slightly to 305abbr=onNaNabbr=on in November 2007.[4]

In a project, South Korean government research institutes and rail industry companies were directed in 1996 to fully localise high-speed rail technology. The know-how gained in the technology transfer for the KTX-I was used as the basis to develop the experimental train HSR-350x,[5] which was to be tested at up to 385abbr=onNaNabbr=on so that the commercial version could have a top speed of 350abbr=onNaNabbr=on.[6] However, the maximum speed achieved in the HSR-350x tests was 352.4km/h on 16 December 2004;[7] and the design and top speeds of the commercial version, the KTX-II (KTX-Sancheon) were set to be the same as those for the KTX-I.[8]

The aim to develop commercial trains with a top speed of 350abbr=onNaNabbr=on was taken up again in the project to build another experimental train, the HEMU-400X (High-speed Electric Multiple Unit - 400 km/h eXperiment), which was launched in July 2007.[9] The six-year project schedule was originally set to last until July 2013, and involved 100000km (100,000miles) of test runs with speeds reaching 400abbr=onNaNabbr=on.[10] [11] The project is led by the Korean Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) and Hyundai Rotem, and also involves the Korea Institute of Construction & Transportation Evaluation and Planning (KICTEP),[9] 20 other companies, 13 universities, and one other organisation.[10] The project budget was set at 97.11 billion won, with a government contribution of 69.2 billion won.[10]

Following a call by Nam-Hee Chae, the president of the Korea Railroad Research Institute, for proposals for a generic name for Korean-made high-speed trains,[12] on 5 April 2007, Chae announced the name Hanvit (Hangul: 한빛),[13] which means a streak of intense light in Korean.[6] Under the new naming scheme, HEMU-400X is also called Hanvit 400.[13]

The preliminary design was presented to the public in May 2009. A full-scale mock-up of an end car was first shown in June 2009 at the RailLog 2009 exhibition in Busan.[14] Detailed designs were presented in October 2010,[15] when the prototype was expected to be completed in 2011 and start line tests in 2012.[16]

HEMU-430X prototype

A prototype, named HEMU-430X was unveiled in May 2012. The unit is expected to undergo around 100,000 km of testing up to 2015.

Technical details

In contrast to the articulated passenger coaches between traction heads configuration of the KTX-I, HSR-350x and KTX-II trains, the 6-car HEMU-400X is fitted with distributed traction: traction equipment is underfloor and all axles of all four intermediate cars are powered.[17] The detailed plans released in October 2010 changed the trailing end driving trailer of the experimental train into a powered car, deviating from the planned commercial version.[15] The new high-power configuration is to provide for higher acceleration:[10] the 8-car commercial configuration was calculated to reach 300abbr=onNaNabbr=on in less than four minutes and less than 12km (07miles); the top test speed of 400abbr=onNaNabbr=on is to be reached in 673 seconds and 56.98km (35.41miles).[15] Similarly to JR East's Fastech 360 programme, the plan is to develop and test both asynchronous induction motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors in the train.[10]

Research in the G7 programme showed that the bulk of the longitudinal aerodynamic resistance (drag) of the pantograph and the largest component of vertical aerodynamic forces (lift) acting on it derive from the contact shoe.[18] For the HEMU-400X, researchers developed an aerodynamically optimised contact shoe cross section that reduced drag by about 40% and lift amplitude by about 25% in comparison to the contact shoe of the KTX-II pantographs.[18]

The train is designed with active suspension for increased ride comfort.[10] To save weight, in addition to aluminium, composite materials are to be used in the carbody.[10] The development of new transformers, batteries and a number of other electric system components also focuses on reducing weight and size.[10] The train is also intended as basis for Rotem to compete in high-speed train tenders abroad, and is designed to conform with European high-speed rail standards.[10]

Nose styling was designed using a genetic algorithm, starting with the hybridization of the nose shapes of existing French TGV and German ICE high-speed trains.[19] A double-deck configuration was also considered.[19]

In the experimental train, the first two cars will test first class seating, the fourth car will be fitted out with a bar and special passenger compartments, the fifth car will test standard class seating.[15] Data acquisition equipment for the on-board measurements are foreseen in the third and sixth cars.[15]

Commercial version (EMU-260/320)

See main article: KTX-Eum and EMU-320.

EMU-260/320, formerly known as KTX-III, is the commercial derivative of HEMU-400X .[20] It is expected to enter service in late 2020 or early 2021.[21] According to the initial information, In normal 8-car, 197.6m (648.3feet) configuration, KTX-III would consist of two driving trailers at either end and six motorized intermediate cars giving 9.84 MW of power,[15] with an option of extension to 10 cars.[21] The second, fourth and seventh cars will house transformers, each connected to inverter groups on the neighbouring third, fifth, respective sixth car.[15] The end cars will house the batteries, while pantographs will be installed on the extreme intermediate cars.[15]

The goal for maximum operating speed was originally 350abbr=onNaNabbr=on, which was expected to enable Seoul-Busan travel times of 1 hour 50 minutes.[21] In plans released in October 2010, planned service speed was raised to 370abbr=onNaNabbr=on.[15] In the default configuration, the first two cars will be first class with 2+1 seating, the third car will house a bar and special passenger compartments with facing pairs of 3 or 2 seats, the fourth to eighth cars will be standard class with "3" seating, with foldable seats offering altogether 378 seats.[15]

In September 2016, the designs of the EMU-260 and EMU-320 were decided, and it was known that the EMU-260 and EMU-320 will share the same design but with different patterns.

In May 2017, the EMU-260's mock-up and interior design were released to the public, and public opinion on the mock-up and interior design was collected.

The first EMU-260 was released in November 2019 into trial operation.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 차세대 고속열차 최고시속 421km 기록.
  2. Cho . Nam-Geon . Chung . Jin-Kyu . High Speed Rail Construction of Korea and Its Impact . KRIHS Special Report Series . 12 . 2008 . Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements . 14 November 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110529073047/http://168.126.177.50/pub/docu/en/AD/ZA/ADZA2008AAN/ADZA-2008-AAN.PDF . 29 May 2011 .
  3. Web site: SNCF International in South Korea . May 2008 . SNCF . 27 August 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110724071143/http://www.sncf-international.net/upl/file/FP_Coree-du-Sud_GB.pdf . 24 July 2011 .
  4. News: KTX 속도 시속 5km 빨라진다 . ko . 26 November 2008 . . 5 November 2010 . usurped . https://web.archive.org/web/20110713120520/http://article.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.asp?ctg=12&Total_ID=3393794 . 13 July 2011 .
  5. Lee . Hisung . Moon . Dae-Seop . Next Generation of Korea Train Express (KTX): Prospect and Strategies . Proceedings of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies . 5 . 255–262 . 2005 . 1 September 2010.
  6. Kim . Kihwan . Korea develops high-speed ambitions . 35–36 . May 2008 . . 4 November 2010.
  7. Trans-Korean Railway . Korean Rail Technology . 1 . 4–5 . May–June 2005 . 4 November 2010.
  8. Web site: KTX 개통 5주년 보도자료 . ko . 1 April 2009 . Rail Safety Information System . https://web.archive.org/web/20110722141402/http://www.railsafety.or.kr/web/FileDownload.do?file=%2Fpor%2Fjsp%2Fadmin%2Fboard%2FPORAdminBoardR.jsp%2FKTX_%EA%B0%9C%ED%86%B5_5%EC%A3%BC%EB%85%84_%ED%94%84%EB%A0%88%EC%8A%A4%ED%82%B7.hwp . 22 July 2011 . 13 November 2010 . dead .
  9. Web site: 400 km/h High-Speed Train to be Unveiled by 2012 . 21 September 2009 . Next-Generation High-speed Rail Technology Center . 28 August 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110722141534/http://hispeedtrain.re.kr/board/?id=prboard&idx=9 . 22 July 2011 .
  10. 최고시험속도 400km/h 동력분산식 차세대 고속열차 개발(HEMU-400X) . ko . January–February 2009 . Korean Rail Technology . 13 November 2010 . 14 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191214022025/http://www.irail.net/webzine/y2009/1_2/preface/20090320/1_17299.html . dead .
  11. Web site: Project Overview . Next-Generation High-speed Rail Technology Center . 1 September 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110722142234/http://hispeedtrain.re.kr/eng/project/01_overview.asp . 22 July 2011 .
  12. Web site: HSR350x looking out for name . 4 May 2006 . KRRI . 21 November 2010.
  13. Web site: http://chaenamhee.com/sub2/sub2_read.php?idx=8&page=&table=letter . https://web.archive.org/web/20110708133401/http://chaenamhee.com/sub2/sub2_read.php?idx=8&page=&table=letter . dead . 8 July 2011 . ko:한국형고속열차 네이밍 . ko . 5 April 2007 . Chae, Nam-Hee . 20 November 2010 .
  14. Web site: Korean high-speed train business team visits Brazil . Newsletter . August 2009 . Hyundai Rotem . 24 November 2010.
  15. Web site: High Speed Trains . https://web.archive.org/web/20110722141257/http://dasan.kofst.or.kr/engineering/reference/session%203/04/DSEX_2010_10_22_HSR%20Presentation%20by%20Hyundai%20rotem.ppt . dead . 22 July 2011 . October 2010 . Hyundai Rotem . 23 November 2010 .
  16. Korea's HEMU-400X high speed train to roll in 2011 . 27 October 2010 . . 30 October 2010.
  17. Web site: Development of EMU prototype train technology (II-1) . Next-Generation High-speed Rail Technology Center . 1 September 2010 . dead . https://archive.today/20130112101302/http://hispeedtrain.re.kr/eng/project/06_project03.asp . 12 January 2013 .
  18. Book: Yeongbin . Lee . Joohyun . Rho . Minho . Kwak . Jaeho . Lee . Kyuhong . Kim . Dongho . Lee . Aerodynamic Characteristics of High Speed Train Pantograph with the Optimized Panhead Shape . Proceedings of the 7th IASME/WSEAS International Conference on Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics . 84–88 . 2009 . http://www.wseas.us/e-library/conferences/2009/moscow/FMA/FMA11.pdf . 16 February 2011.
  19. 차세대 고속열차 HEMU-400X 차량 디자인 . ko . January–February 2009 . Korean Rail Technology . 13 November 2010 . 31 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191231085025/http://www.irail.net/webzine/y2009/1_2/preface/20090320/1_17298.html . dead .
  20. News: Cuenca. Oliver. 2021-01-05. Korail launches new high-speed trains. International Railway Journal. subscription. 2021-03-06.
  21. News: [주간조선] KTX 진화를 거듭하다 ]. ko . 9 June 2009 . . 2 September 2010 . 13 August 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090813054738/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/06/09/2009060901651.html . dead .