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FOI request detail

Elizabeth line AC systems

Request ID: FOI-1666-2324
Date published: 07 September 2023

You asked
Regarding the air conditioning systems on the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), marked under the British Rail standard class 345. I have some questions regarding the saloon air conditioning/ air cooling systems. 1. Do the trains use air conditioning (using typical refrigeration and humidity/air extraction) and/or air cooling systems (without humidity extraction)? 2. What is the target saloon temperature of class 345? If there is no set target temperature, what is the target saloon temperature at the following external ambient temperatures? 1. 20ºc 2. 25ºc 3. 40ºc 3. Does the previously mentioned system monitor and control the humidity of the saloons? If so, what is the target relative humidity? 4. What is the previously mentioned system's maximum power consumption (in watts) under full load (train contains maximum passengers and 40ºc+ ambient temperature)? 5. Who manufactured air cooling/conditioning systems, and what was the total cost of all saloon and cab units?

We answered

TfL Ref: 1666-2324

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 21 August 2023 asking for information about Elizabeth line AC systems.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. Your questions and our replies ar as follows:

 
  1. Do the trains use air conditioning (using typical refrigeration and humidity/air extraction) and/or air cooling systems (without humidity extraction)?

The trains use refrigeration based air cooling. When conditions allow (i.e. external ambient temperature is lower than the internal saloon temperature and cooling is demanded), unconditioned external ambient air is introduced into the train to supplement the refrigeration cooling.    

2. What is the target saloon temperature of class 345? See below.
If there is no set target temperature, what is the target saloon temperature at the following external ambient temperatures?
    1. 20ºc  external ambient ,internal set point 24ºc
    2. 25ºc  external ambient, internal set point 26ºc
    3. 40ºc  external ambient, internal set point 31ºc
3. Does the previously mentioned system monitor and control the humidity of the saloons? No If so, what is the target relative humidity? Not Applicable.

4. What is the previously mentioned system's maximum power consumption (in watts) under full load (train contains maximum passengers and 40ºc+ ambient temperature)? Approximately 140kW per train.

5. Who manufactured air cooling/conditioning systems, and what was the total cost of all saloon and cab units? The manufacturer was Mitsubishi Electric Company (MELCO).  We do not hold the information on the costs.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely


Sara Thomas
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

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