--- title: "RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock" ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080.json" source: "Contracts Finder" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED" published: "2018-07-05" --- # RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock Buyer: RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080.json) ## Summary The Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited (RSSB) has issued a tender for a feasibility study exploring the implementation of High Voltage (HV) couplers on rolling stock. The contract, which falls within the services category, has a total value of £80,000 and a minimum threshold of £70,000. The tender period closes on 17 July 2018, with the contract expected to commence on 30 August 2018 and extend until 29 March 2019. This open procurement process aims to optimise electrification systems in the UK rail industry, primarily located in London (postcode EC2M 2RB). This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in feasibility studies, engineering services, and consultancy within the rail and electrification sectors. Companies with expertise in high voltage systems, rolling stock engineering, and those familiar with operational and economic analyses in transport technology would be particularly well-suited to compete for this contract. Engaging with the tender could enhance a business's profile and contribute to advancements in rail technologies, fostering growth and innovation within the sector. ## Notice Optimising the performance and reliability of existing and new electrification/pantograph systems remains a key focus for the rail industry. In recent years to increase capacity the use of electric multiple units formed of up to 3 units (for example a 12-car train formation) has become more widespread . At the same time opportunities have been taken to increase the speeds of services to fully utilise the capabilities of modern rolling stock, reduce journey times and essentially keep up with high speed services. It is understood that several Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) systems in GB were designed for single pantograph compatibility but have been progressively shown to be compatible with two and three pantograph operations with some constraints. The use of multiple pantographs is potentially sub optimal and perhaps limits the train maximum speed due to multiple pantograph/contact wire performance. One of the potential methods of avoiding the need to use two or three pantographs per train is to use high voltage (HV) couplers distributing energy between the multiple units. Whilst this does not reduce the cost of directly introducing electrification, as is discussed below, there are other benefits that this could bring to the network. There has been some preliminary experimentation in controlled climatic conditions, where the capabilities of a HV coupler design for railway use has been proven, with the findings patented. High voltage couplers are also used in other industries such as mining and there are a number of proprietary designs available but probably intended for different applications. The case for using HV couplers has so far not been fully investigated and this project through a thorough desk-based feasibility study will provide a report on the potential application and use of the technology. At the November 2017 Pantograph to OLE working group meeting it was recognised that the DfT aspire to operate multiple units, with up to three pantographs raised. However, on some routes with legacy OLE infrastructure the potential maximum speed is limited which means the potential path might not be available or the train has to run with only two units. This is due to the disturbance from each pantograph on the contact wire and resulting in each following pantograph needing to track a moving wire. At higher speeds, and shorter pantograph spacing, there is less time for the contact wire to stabilise between pantographs. This study is split into three separate chains of feasibility analysis: 1. Operation and performance 2. Safety 3. Economic Most importantly, this study will analyse the operational feasibility of using a HV coupler. Considerations for the operation of the HV coupler will need to consider the reliability of the technology to withstand frequent connection and disconnection in line with carriage(s) usage across timetables. The study will need to consider differences in rolling stock design for physical placement of the cables ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Contracts Finder | | Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b069ebc9-1643-4e0e-8d67-1e68fc91a53f | | Notice type | Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Open | | Procurement method details | Open procedure (below threshold) | | Tender suitability | SME | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 5 Jul 2018 | | Submission deadline | 17 Jul 2018 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 29 Aug 2018 - 29 Mar 2019 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £80,000 | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Not specified | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED | | Locality | LONDON | | Post town | Central London | | Postcode | EC2M 2RB | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLI London | | ITL 2 | TLI4 Inner London - East | | ITL 3 | TLI43 Haringey and Islington | | Local authority | Islington | | Electoral ward | Bunhill | | Westminster constituency | Islington South and Finsbury | | Delivery location | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services - 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services ### Codes - 71241000 - Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis - 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services ## Release History - 5 Jul 2018 at 08:36 - TenderAmendment - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b069ebc9-1643-4e0e-8d67-1e68fc91a53f - 26 Jun 2018 at 08:37 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b069ebc9-1643-4e0e-8d67-1e68fc91a53f ## Documents - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b069ebc9-1643-4e0e-8d67-1e68fc91a53f 5th July 2018 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/9baafb1a-488e-4b4f-969f-ff05db894626 Commercial Pricing Schedule - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/e1c3b423-d974-43e4-8470-20189bc9d537 RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock - T and C's - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/eb5daf2f-dfe5-42b8-aaad-98193ec4eb60 RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock - I.T.T - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/3988ec9c-b301-409d-8ffc-094c9e3ac270 RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock - Tender Q & A -5th July ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. 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