Current Activities

The experience with the large VSOE project was one which would come back to HGI in a variety of ways over the ensuing years as various ROSCOs looked at ways in which they might exploit the mostly under-used capacity of DVT vehicles. A similar question was received from Iarnród Eireann while exploring ways in which the notoriously unreliable HEP (Head-end Power) supply of the IE201 could be supported but it was Chiltern Railways who finally brought life to the concept.

HGI were approached by a consultant working on behalf of Chiltern and after some discussion, if became clear that HGI could offer an innovative solution which would result in the CRCL DVT vehicles providing 250kW of ETS supply, allowing the noisy Class 67 locos to be shut down while stabled or in stations yet still providing power along the train. In fact the HGI generator will not only provide the 850V DC supply required by the MA sets but an integrated compressor will also maintain the train air systems at the same time.

The machines are currently going to production with first deliveries scheduled for Autumn 2011.

HGI are also in discussions with a view to providing a further set of solutions to the NDS IM Fleet as more vehicles become due for refit and modernisation. The first of these is expected to be a 100kVA unit which will replace an older machine and with others to follow.

In 2011, HGI are also looking carefully at the provision of stationary machines for use in SSP/PSP installations and are engaged in productive discussions with major suppliers of such equipment.

Also key to the future of the Company is a desire for HGI to extend its asset management service and apply this to rail infrastructure and plant. The Company has an extensive capability, developed and proved over several years of monitoring and maintenance of generator sites in critical (emergency services) applications and will seek to develop and extend this capability to the rail industry.