Background and overview
JR West delivered additional 225-5000 series EMU having some improvements in order to replace 103 series EMU and 205 series EMU used on Hanwa line. They are classified into -5100 subseries and 14 four-car sets and 11 six-car sets were delivered over the period from 2016 until 2017.
Car body
Their bodies have some differences over former 225-5000 series. Although 225-5000 series employ the cab having strong connection between the underframe and the gangway stanchions for reinforcement, 225-5100 series feature shock absorbing beams above the cab ceiling to widen the lower part of cab space. This change realizes the more rounded end section appearance than 225-5000 series. The prominent anti-fall plates on the front ends of 4-car sets are also introduced likewise between the vehicles. Two headlights and auxiliary lights applied high intensity discharge (HID) lamps are aslant fitted nearer to each side of the gangway than 225-0 series and uniquely shaped LED trail lights are fitted toward out of the headlights and auxiliary lights. A train classification sign and a destination indicator are changed into colour selectable LED displays. A large colour-selectable LED destination screen fitted on each side of the body is integrated with train classification sign. Door operating equipments are changed into WTK131 having closing strength attenuated mechanism, door nipping detector and flashing alarm lamps while door opening/closing. Platform detecting ultrasonic sensors are fitted on each side of end section to prevent the passenger from falling down when all or part of the train is not at a platform.
Bogies
Motored bogies are WDT63A, trailer bogies of end vehicles are WTR246E, and trailer bogies for intermediate vehicles WTR246D featuring bolster-less secondary air suspension, axle arm type journal box supporting system, and the single link traction device. Their bogie employing bow-shaped bogie frame to lower the fitting position of bolster suspension realizes to lower the floor level. These bogies feature 2000mm wide distance between two secondary air suspension and the yaw dampers to ensure smooth ride characteristics even at 120km/h. Quiet Westinghouse-Natal drive is applied for power transmission device. The gear ratio is 6.53 to get high acceleration performance and the maximum service speed at 120km/h. Motored bogie employs single tread brake rigging and trailer bogie employs both the double disk brake rigging and the single tread brake rigging and WTR246E also employs parking brake device. A body vibration detector (BVD) applying accelerometers is fitted near their bogies to prevent damage caused by derailment and collision to name a few from spreading.
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
Their traction system, WPC15A-G1, employing Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) controls two PG (Pulse Generator) sensor-less asynchronous motors, WMT106A-G1, with a power output of 270kW. Their traction system featuring 2 level Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is integrated with the auxiliary power supply unit with a power output of 75kVA, synchronizing with other auxiliary power supply units throughout the overall train set to achieve higher redundancy while in failure. Class kumoha225-5100 and moha225-5100 vehicles are equipped with a motor driven rotary-screw air compressor, WMH3098-WRC1600, under their floor. Class kumoha225-5100 are also equipped with a single arm current pickup, WPS28C, on their roof and prepared to be fitted with another current pickup on their roof. Class moha225-100 and class moha225-400 vehicles are equipped with a current pickup and another backup current pickup. They feature the electric commanding brake with regenerative brake and holding brake.
Accommodation
Seating accommodation consists of 1+2 abreast switchable transverse seating with 910mm seating pitch and transverse bucket seating bays. Their seating is covered with blue fabric. An emergency ladder and ladder stowage box were fitted on the seatback next to the centre doorway for emergency escape since they are used on Kisei line with a risk of tidal wave caused by Nankai megathrust earthquakes. Their overhead luggage rack is 1765mm high compared with 223 series with 1850mm for easier handling. The air conditioning duct is fitted above the ceiling in order to improve interior design and the outlets of cool air are slit shape. Hanging straps with larger looped handle in green near priority seating area and orange at the other for easier hold and perceptibility compared with former 223 series are fitted throughout their body. The quantity of hanging strap is one and a half times as many as 223 series. The passenger saloons use LED interior lighting. Six pairs of 19-inch LCD display for providing passenger information and advertising are fitted under the ceiling. 225-5100 series employ wireless access points for Wi-fi hotspot service for foreign tourists from Kansai international airport for the first time among JR West's suburban trains. End vehicles, class kumoha224-5100, are equipped with a universal access toilet employing the vacuum toilet system. End vehicles, class kumoha225-5100 and kumoha224-5100, are also equipped with a wheel chair space.
Operations
225-5000 series are now used on the Kansai Airport rapid services, the Kishuji rapid services, and the ordinary services on Hanwa and Osaka-Loop lines. They are also used on the rural services on Kisei line between Wakayama and Susami. |
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