People in Khon Kaen are deeply saddened! The Khon Kaen Weekly page posted images of a fire at the factory assembling the light rail train, causing severe damage to almost the entire train. The Khon Kaen Talk page stated that this train was the first prototype researched and built by Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen Campus, in collaboration with the Thailand Science Research and Innovation, and Cho Thavee Public Company Limited.
The project started in 2021, building on research from receiving a tram from Japan. The project was nearly 100% complete and set to be finalized in July. The next step was to present the project to construct electric trains in the real area of Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen Campus, and around Bueng Kaen Nakhon. Unfortunately, a fire broke out before that could happen.
KHON KAEN: A short circuit in the battery power control system is suspected to be the cause of the fire that damaged the Khon Kaen prototype light rail tram, or "Tram Noi", which was undergoing internal system testing by Cho Thavee Public Company Limited. The tram has sustained over 70% damage, estimated to be worth over 84 million baht.
Yesterday (July 2nd) at the Paisarn Lertlamiar Meeting Room in the 50th Anniversary of Thai-German Technical Building at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen Campus, Associate Professor Parin Nachaiyut, Vice President of the university, along with other faculty members, held a press conference regarding the fire incident that occurred at Cho Thavee Public Company Limited in Ban Non Tun, Muang Kao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province.
The fire broke out around 11:30 PM on June 30th, resulting in over 70% damage to the prototype tram.
Associate Professor Parin Nachaiyut explained that the light rail tram is a research and development project utilizing parts manufactured in Thailand to further production in the industrial sector. The project received funding from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and is divided into two phases: Phase 1 (2020-2022) with a budget of 90 million baht, and Phase 2 (2022-2023) with a budget of 33 million baht, totaling 123 million baht.
Before the fire, the prototype tram was in Phase 2 of development, with Cho Thavee Public Company Limited being contracted for assembly and installation due to its industrial standards. The tram was undergoing system testing and had not yet been delivered to the research team. The initial assessment suggests that the fire might have been caused by a short circuit in the battery power control system, but confirmation awaits the forensic investigation results from Forensic Science Center 4.
The analysis of evidence is expected to take approximately one month. The estimated damage to the exterior and interior of the passenger compartment, as well as the propulsion system, is around 70%, with a total loss estimated at 84 million baht.
Dr. Paiwan Kerdtruad, head of the research and development project, added that before incorporating any parts or equipment into the light rail tram, the research team collaborates with Cho Thavee's engineering department to minimize errors. The parts are primarily manufactured by Thai automotive industry suppliers, ensuring high standards and compliance with design specifications. A two-car tram was tested within the university about two years ago.
The light rail tram has two sets of batteries: one for the control system (24V DC) and another for the propulsion system (695V DC, 346 kWh). The propulsion battery only supplies power when commanded from the control room via a touchscreen interface. At the time of the fire, the main key switch was in the "off" position, meaning no power should have been supplied to the system.
The 24V DC battery, which powers the passenger compartment where the fire originated, is suspected to have caused a short circuit.
On the afternoon of June 30th, Dr. Paiwan inspected the tram at Cho Thavee and found the air conditioning operating normally in the passenger compartment, powered by an external source through the main breaker. After the inspection, all systems were shut down according to procedure, leading to the conclusion that the fire was unlikely caused by a short circuit in the 695V propulsion battery.
RMUTI Khon Kaen Campus Moves Forward with Building ASEAN's First Thai-Made Hydrogen-Powered Train
Daily News, July 6, 2024 4:21 PM
A press conference was held regarding the leasing of space to construct a Metro Train assembly plant between Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI), Khon Kaen Campus, and Amita Automotive Co., Ltd. The event attracted significant interest from researchers, faculty members, rail transport business operators, students, and media, who attended in large numbers.
At 2:00 PM on July 6, in the 2nd floor conference room of the 50th Anniversary Thai-German Technical Building at RMUTI Khon Kaen Campus, Mr. Prin Nachaisiththi, Vice President of RMUTI Khon Kaen Campus, held a press conference about the space lease for the Metro Train assembly plant construction.
Mr. Prin stated that RMUTI Khon Kaen Campus had received research funding from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) to develop rail transport systems, continuing from the light rail project. The ministry provided 320 million baht in research funding to develop a Thai-made train using clean energy or hydrogen, which will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
He explained that previously, both above-ground and underground trains, such as the Airport Link, BTS, and MRT, primarily used electricity as their main power source. The university's research team, which has been working on rail systems since the light rail or tram project (which recently experienced a fire accident and is currently under investigation), is now focusing on this new hydrogen-powered train prototype.
The new research project supported by MHESI involves a 4-car hydrogen-powered train prototype with a capacity of 300-400 passengers, using clean energy throughout the train. It will operate on a 1.435-meter gauge track. The entire train and track system will be constructed using Thai expertise and is expected to be completed by 2026.
"The university is using its own 243-rai land in Khok Si sub-district to construct buildings and prepare a 4-kilometer track to accommodate this train. The research approach involves academics designing and specifying various train components, developed in collaboration between the university and leading private sector companies in the country. The research team has undergone training and learned lessons about train construction, including electric trains and various energy-powered trains from Europe, China, and Japan. This has culminated in the latest Thai research project that is about to come to fruition. This clean energy train will be capable of speeds up to 120 km/h. After completing system testing and running within the university, it will be tested on the State Railway of Thailand's Orange Line to run alongside various Thai trains," Mr. Prin added.
Regarding the light rail or tram project that experienced a fire accident, Mr. Prin mentioned that MHESI, which provided funding for this first Thai-made tram, has been continuously inspecting the incident site and evaluating various aspects of the plan. The police are currently investigating the cause, and the research team is eager to know what caused it, where exactly it occurred, or if it was intentionally caused. The university plans to repair the tram within 9 months to conduct system tests and demonstrate the world-class standard of Thai craftsmanship.
Looking ahead, the university plans to research, design, and produce high-speed electric trains, in line with the government and MHESI's emphasis on developing rail transport systems. Many agencies are ready to support and collaborate in producing various train parts, systems, or components to their full potential.
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