A seminar on “Battery Management Systems and Charging Methods”

A seminar on “Battery Management System and Charging Methods” was conducted by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering on 23.08.2023. The Resource Person for the seminar was Er.R.Baskaran, a Retired Principal Chief Signal and Telecom Engineer from Southern Railway. Sir began the seminar with an overview of basic railway signalling principles, highlighting the importance of safe and efficient signalling in railway operations. The students were introduced to the role of batteries in providing a reliable power source for signalling systems, ensuring uninterrupted functioning even during power outages. The significance of battery backup systems in ensuring continuous operation of signalling equipment during power failures was discussed, emphasizing the need for seamless transition between main and backup power sources. Different types of batteries suitable for railway signalling were explored, along with their capacities and energy storage capabilities to meet varying operational demands. Design considerations for optimal performance were discussed in detail. The students gained insights into power delivery mechanisms for railway signalling systems, including fast charging facilities, the role of Diesel Generator (DG) sets, inverters, and the practice of signal blanking and its impact on overall railway operations were discussed. The critical aspects in the power supply system which includes the design aspects such as maximum current requirements, battery reliability, voltage stabilization, splitting of power and the use of chargers such as constant voltage chargers and constant current chargers were discussed. A mathematics test was conducted, in which two students voluntarily participated. It provided an opportunity to assess the concentration of the participants which added an interactive element to the seminar. Sir also emphasized the importance of conserving vital resources such as water, electricity, and fuel, while also advocating for the preservation of plants and the overall improvement of the environment. The session also featured a question and answer segment at the end, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with Er.R.Baskaran and further enrich their understanding of the discussed topics. Around 23 participants, including students and staff members attended the seminar. Er. R Baskaran’s expertise and the comprehensive coverage of topics provided attendees with valuable insights into the crucial role of power supply systems in railway signalling. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dhanalakshmi, expressing gratitude to Er. R Baskaran for his enlightening seminar on power supply systems for railway signalling