Network Rail Case Study

As a strategic supplier to the UK’s rail sector, Brandon Hire Station have signed-up to Science Based Targets (SBTs) and are working constantly to encourage the adoption of the latest technology including, battery powered and solar-powered products, which are jointly evaluated via product demonstrations, user engagement and on-site trials.
 
In response to this, we are working alongside Network Rail to introduce the latest innovations in sustainable lighting solutions, contributing towards their Net Zero 2050 objective which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
 
At Brandon Hire Station, we aim to provide all of our customers with safe and sustainable lighting through the hire of solar powered and battery operated lights – those of which were installed at Network Rail’s site in Herefordshire. 

Brandon Hire Station were presented with the challenge of proposing a safe and sustainable lighting solution for a group of 24 steel storage containers. 

Network Rail found that their original tried and tested method of installing a 40 KVA, diesel-powered Generator with cabling leading to each container was not an effective design, alongside the site proving less sustainable due to carbon and noise emissions. The opportunity for accidents was also increased due to apparent trip hazards across the site.

A temporary solution for Network Rail whilst we considered alternative lighting was providing the hire of two Milwaukee M18 Cordless Task Lights per container. Despite having to recharge their portable battery powered lighting, Network Rail had access to high quality light levels.

It was clear that Network Rail needed a sustainable, long-term solution without the requirement for continuous maintenance, ensuring that productivity across their workforce would not be interrupted. 

Following the on-site discussions that were held between the customer, Brandon Hire Station and our supplier, H-Factor, a prototype was developed, providing the hire of our Solar Powered LED Container Lighting Kit, which includes:

This Solar Panel produces around 2.2 kWh a day. The battery box provided to Network Rail was able to power a series of six, high-powered LED lights, including Outdoor Security Lights and Waterproof Floodlights.

Gel Batteries are very similar to regular, lead-acid batteries, only with the addition of silica to the electrotype, which creates a gel-like substance – hence the name. 

These batteries have the ability to be safely placed in a variety of positions, without the threat of spillage, presenting a unique approach to hazard free placements around sites. 

Encourages the maintenance of battery health, which ultimately extends its life. This piece of equipment can even recharge severely depleted batteries, operating with a voltage as low as 0 volts. 

This controller is perfect for extending equipment life, encouraging efficiency across workforces through its ability to decrease down time. 

Brandon Hire Station can offer both a 55kg and 130kg capacity of Industrial Grade Magnets. These magnets eliminate the requirement for drilling the Solar Array and Controller onto the roof of the steel container, increasing overall productivity throughout the site set-up. 

These Floodlights include passive infrared sensors (PIR) LED and have adjustable timing sensors to assist in delivering a significant impact on battery energy use. 

To assist Network Rail in visibility and site security, this was mounted on the outside of the shipping containers.

With the lightweight solar panel frame and battery box installed on the roof, the ultra-low voltage cable was ducted inside the container to power a series of six high-powered LED lights, eliminating trip hazards across the work site.

These LED lights were mounted on the interior walls and ceiling using magnets, which allowed the lights to be configured according to the layout and contents of each individual container.

We were able to develop this prototype for our customer within 2 weeks, alongside an arrangement for a site trial to allow for an evaluation.

From this, an order was placed for a further 24 sets of arrays, batteries, controllers and LED lighting systems for an initial period of 12 months and a further extended year.

The eco lighting solution that was presented to Network Rail is one of the safest and most environmentally sustainable lighting products within the industry, and has supported Network Rail in their goals towards their Net Zero plans.

With our heightened focus on providing the most innovative equipment for our customers, Brandon Hire Station were able to ensure the supply of bespoke approaches to work towards their individual needs. This was shown through the support provided to Network Rail, who benefited from the elimination of carbon emissions, improved productivity and advanced, safer working.