By Admin 
Indian Railways has taken a new and unique step to save the environment and promote the use of clean energy. Actually, the first such solar panel system has been installed in the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), which has been fitted in the middle of the railway track. It is a pilot project, which has been started on BLW’s workshop line number 19. In this project, 28 solar panels were installed on a 70 -meter long track, which are made entirely of indigenous technology. The specialty of this system is that it can easily remove it and it does not cause any obstruction of the movement of trains.
How special is this project?
The capacity of this solar panel system is 15 kW peak (KWP). These panels can generate 960 units of electricity daily and its power density is 240 kW per kilometer. This means that this system is not only effective in generating electricity, but is also an affordable option for the railways and a beneficial option for the environment. Indian Railways has a 1.2 lakh kilometer long track network and if this project is applicable across the country, then 3.5 lakh units of electricity per kilometer can be made every year. This will help a lot in meeting the railway’s electricity needs.
These problems will be away
The best thing is that there is no need to buy separate land for this project. These solar panels have been installed using the empty space between the railway track. This is not only saving the land, but the expenses of the railway are also decreasing.
How did the railway dealt with these problems?
Railways faced many challenges in starting this project, but their technical team found a solution to them. Actually, the passing of trains causes a lot of vibration on the track, which could have damaged solar panels. To avoid this problem, the Railways used rubber mounting pads, which reduce vibrations and keep the panels safe. At the same time, it was also a challenge to fix solar panels firmly on the track. For this, the panels were pasted on concrete sleepers with epoxy adhesive (a kind of strong glue). Due to this, not only the panels remain firmly, but there is no need for additional clamps.
Safety and security are also taken care of
It is common to accumulate dust and debris around the railway track, which can reduce the functionality of solar panels. To deal with this problem, the Railways has made arrangements for regular cleaning, so that the panels always remain clean and work better. Railways have taken the help of CCTV cameras to protect solar panels from theft or damage. These cameras monitor 24 hours, making the panels safe. There is a maintenance work on the railway track from time to time. In such a situation, it may be necessary to remove solar panels. For this, the panels have been added with the help of four stainless steel (SS) allen bolts, which can easily be removed and re -applied.
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