MLB Industrial was approached by Aurizon in late 2020 to help drive forward their sustainability goals. The clients primary focus was to implement an Automatic Engine Start Stop (AESS) system on their diesel electric locomotive fleet that will reduce fuel consumption and improve emissions output. In record time, MLB Industrial was able to deliver a trial lithium ion battery product to replace the failing lead acid technology.

A successful trial period proved that a direct replacement lithium ion battery for AESS equipped locomotives would solve the current lead acid battery issues allowing full use of this emission reducing initiative. What Aurizon did not expect was the additional and significant advantages a ‘smart’ lithium battery could provide. From solving the primary client issue and over delivering on additional benefits, MLB Industrial is now rolling out our MTLRABA model of lithium locomotive starting batteries and fitment kits over the Aurizon fleet.

MLB Industrial had been featured in both the 2021 and 2022 Aurizon Sustainability Report for reducing emissions on their diesel electric fleet. → Sustainability Report

Key features of MLB Industrial lithium-ion locomotive starting battery vs lead acid:

• 3-4x CYCLE LIFE OVER LEAD ACID:

  Lithium chemistry performs significantly higher than lead-acid. Further life expectancy extension from eradication of user error (e.g. fully flattening batteries).

• ZERO LIFETIME MAINTENANCE:

  Sealed battery cells and onboard management systems controls all cell maintenance automatically. No need to wash, top up, balance, etc.

• ADDITIONAL SAFETY:

  Onboard management systems detect environmental and electrical parameters outside of a safe range and will automatically disable the battery.

• INCREASED STARTABILITY:

  High power output and lower voltage sag means lower current requirements for improved starting through all temperature ranges and low state of charge conditions. Increased battery service life in AESS applications.

• REDUCED SIZE:

  Replace 2x lead acid battery banks with 1x lithium-ion pack. Simplification of install and potential repurposing of the 2nd battery compartment for auxiliary systems running HVAC/Air compressor/etc for AESS time extensions.

• REDUCED WEIGHT:

  Up to 5x lighter installation weight allowing increased fuel load and/or reduced fuel consumption from weight reduction.

• MECHANICAL DESIGN:

  ‘touchproof’ connections, sealed construction, dedicated lifting points, cable retention, vibration isolation and many other features designed into the package for overall performance increases not possible in lead-acid cell system design.

Unique features of MLB Industrial ‘Smart’ battery with LAST CHANCE START (LCS) technology.

• Single Button Interface (SBI) allows external, visual access to battery status and single button push for changing of user modes including isolating the battery for any safety related event.
• Onboard monitoring of all critical parameters of cells and power electronics allows automatic safety and maintenance functions. Short circuit and over-current protection, charge and discharge voltage protection, high and low temperature protection, cell balancing and a host of automated safety and functionality based systems.
• Unique LCS feature senses user error of non-isolated train when not in use, virtually eliminating potential of flattened battery.