ABB Expands Sustainable Transport in Montreal
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Montreal’s REM: A model for Sustainable Transportation and Electrification
Table of Contents
- Montreal’s REM: A model for Sustainable Transportation and Electrification
- Montreal’s REM: Your Questions Answered About This Sustainable Transportation Model
- What is the Réseau express métropolitain (REM)?
- how Does the REM Help the Surroundings?
- How Big is the REM Network and Where Does it Go?
- When Did the REM Open and When Will it Fully Operate?
- What are the design Features of the REM?
- What Challenges did the REM Project Face?
- What Innovative Solutions Were Implemented in the REM Project?
- How Does the REM Connect to Other Transportation systems?
- How Many Passengers Will the REM Serve?
- What’s Next for the REM?
- Key Facts About Montreal’s REM
Across the globe,nations are committing to net-zero emissions,spurring industries to pursue significant emission reductions. In Canada, the rail sector is actively embracing decarbonization, with stakeholders and governments collaborating to redefine its future.
Powering an Energy-Efficient Rail System in North America
For over a century, companies have been dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future. They have consistently delivered energy-efficient technologies to the rail industry, encompassing the production and maintenance of vital components for urban, intercity, and high-speed rail networks. This includes both rail infrastructure and rolling stock. their complete life-cycle service support, including retrofits and maintenance, is crucial to their extensive global presence.This profound understanding of rail and transportation markets facilitates building on past achievements, addressing current demands, and preparing for future innovations.
ingenious Engineering for a Robust Infrastructure
Canada boasts a highly developed infrastructure, attracting businesses, technology, and international trade. Investments in infrastructure and community enhancements are positioning the country for future success. A primary objective is to broaden transportation options and enhance passenger mobility while together decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Spotlight on the REM Project
The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) in Montréal exemplifies this commitment. This ambitious rapid transit network stands as Quebec’s largest public transit initiative in the last half-century. the REM is a fully automated, electric light rail transit network, seamlessly connecting with existing bus routes, commuter trains, and the Montréal metro system. Designed to serve an estimated 150,000 daily passengers, the REM’s South Shore branch utilizes the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge, necessitating the construction of new infrastructure, including rails and electrical systems. This project highlights the potential for decarbonization in Québec and Canada, where currently, less than 1% of rail projects are electrified.
The REM cars are specifically designed for Montreal, focusing on design, capacity, accessibility, and passenger comfort. These cars create a continuous train experience throughout Greater Montréal. The exterior design, chosen by the public, draws inspiration from the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge and integrates into the Montréal landscape, offering passengers stunning views through panoramic windows.
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The REM’s South Shore branch uses the central portion of the new Samuel-De Champlain Bridge. Photograph courtesy of REM/nouvlr -
Once completed, the REM will span approximately 67 kilometers and include 26 stations, connecting several key areas of the Greater Montréal region. Photograph courtesy of REM/NouvLR -
When fully operational, the REM is expected to reduce GHG emissions by 2.5 million tons over the course of 25 years. Photograph courtesy of REM/NouvLR
The Challenges Faced
Environmental Imperative
The transportation sector in Canada accounts for 28% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Of the country’s approximately 49,422 kilometers of railway network, only 129 kilometers, or less than one percent, are electrified.
Unique Expansion Demands
To accommodate the movement of the samuel-De Champlain Bridge, NouvLR, the consortium responsible for the electrical systems, needed a cable tray system allowing for 24 to 27 inches (60 to 70 centimeters) of movement. standard expansion joints only allow for one inch of play, necessitating a custom solution. Other critical factors included Montréal’s extreme temperature variations, a tight deadline, and the need for close engineering collaboration.
The Innovative Solution
These challenges were met with customized solutions, including:
- In 2022, ABB’s T&B Cable Tray Systems®, Superstrut® metal framing, and Star Teck® fittings were chosen for the electrical infrastructure. A key element was developing a joint expansion solution providing 24 to 27 inches (60 to 70 cm) of play, crucial for completing the REM’s South Shore branch over the Champlain Bridge. This allows thousands of passengers to travel sustainably from Brossard to Central station in Montréal. The design was optimized for functionality and ease of installation, and the expansion joint system was delivered within seven months to meet the construction schedule.
- The REM project exemplifies the move toward electrification to meet passenger needs and net-zero goals. Its train propulsion,lighting,heating/cooling,and safety controls are fully electric.This includes components such as AC & DC relays and contactors, miniature circuit breakers, and electronic monitoring relays, enhancing safety and efficiency.
- Auxiliary power units were also supplied to distribute electricity on board. The BORDLINE® M75 auxiliary converters (one per car) power all AC and DC utilities efficiently and reliably. This product was customized for the project, ensuring adaptability to various operating conditions. Its growth involved teams in Italy, Switzerland, India, and Canada.
What Lies Ahead?
building on the success of the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge section,similar products are being considered for other REM sections. The expansion joint system will be further customized based on specific location and application requirements.
Continued support will be provided to manufacturers in developing systems that complement or replace carbon fuels for decarbonization. Existing electrification technology enables manufacturers and infrastructure customers to improve fuel efficiency or upgrade older systems. This includes solutions like auxiliary power units, low voltage power supplies, battery chargers, AC & DC circuit breakers, relays and contactors, DC switches, low voltage control products, traction converters, energy storage systems, and traction motors and generators.
More on the REM and Champlain bridge
Upon completion, the REM will span approximately 67 kilometers with 26 stations, connecting key areas of Greater Montréal, including downtown, the South Shore, the West Island, and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. It is indeed projected to reduce GHG emissions by 2.5 million tons over 25 years.
The South Shore branch, linking Brossard and Bonaventure-Central Station via the Champlain Bridge, opened on july 31, 2023.The second phase, covering the West Island, North Shore, and Centre of Montréal, is slated for operation in the autumn of 2025.