Welcome to
Powering Evolution in Rail Event
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Powerbox's Inaugural Rail Event
We are delighted to welcome you to Powerbox’s inaugural Rail Event, Powering Evolution in Rail.
This gathering is designed to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and operators to explore the latest technologies and practical solutions shaping the future of rail.
Across the afternoon, you’ll hear from both our team and special guest speakers who will share insights from local and global perspectives, with a focus on improving reliability, safety, and performance in challenging rail environments.
We look forward to connecting with you and sparking valuable conversations that will drive progress across our industry.
Agenda Overview
1.30pm
Guest Arrival / Registration
13:30 - 14:00
Welcome Refreshments
14:00 - 16:45
Technical Presentations / Key Notes - See presentation details below
15:10 - 15:30
Intermission / Break
16:45 - 16:50
Wrap Up Address (Powerbox)
16:50- 18:00
Networking Function
(Drinks / Canapes)
Presentation Topics
Building the Backbone
Enhancing Rail Network Resilience with Proven Battery Charging Solutions
Presented by James Rutty, Director, Powerbox Australia
As Southeast Queensland’s rail corridor expansion accelerates, the pressure on safety-critical infrastructure continues to grow. Reliable power for signalling and level crossing systems is non-negotiable, and that reliability begins with resilient battery charging platforms designed to perform under demanding conditions.
In this session, James Rutty will share how Schaefer battery charging systems have become a trusted foundation within Australia’s rail networks, supporting projects with Transport for NSW, ARTC, and now Aurizon and Queensland Rail. Schaefer’s long-term design philosophy, maintaining consistent fit, form, and function across product generations, reduces the need for costly last-time buys and additional type-approval processes. This approach lowers risk, saves engineering effort, and delivers lifecycle value by reducing total ownership cost.
Drawing on extensive local project experience, James will discuss lessons learned from deploying chargers in complex environments and how these insights have shaped Powerbox’s approach to supporting long-term network resilience.
The presentation will also explore how ongoing innovation in design, support, and lifecycle management will strengthen the backbone of Australia’s rail power infrastructure, helping networks prepare for the future with greater reliability and confidence.
Every Journey, Every Shift, Every Site
Bringing Vehicle-as-a-Node Technology to Australia’s Rail Networks
Presented by Scott Geldard, Director, Hypha
Every journey, every shift, and every site depends on reliable communications to safeguard people and assets. When connectivity fails, both safety and efficiency are at risk.
In this session, Scott Geldard, Director at Hypha, will introduce Vehicle-as-a-Node (VaaN), a proven technology that transforms vehicles into secure mobile network hubs by combining satellite, cellular, and mesh connectivity. Already deployed across emergency services and remote field operations, including the NSW Rural Fire Service’s rollout of more than 5,000 HyphaONE units, VaaN has demonstrated its ability to maintain communications in Australia’s harshest conditions.
Scott will discuss how this same platform could be adapted to rail to support continuous telemetry, video, and crew communications onboard locomotives and extend coverage to isolated worksites.
Attendees will gain insight into how resilient multi-bearer connectivity could enhance operational safety, situational awareness, and control room visibility for rail operators in the future.
Rethinking How We Power Onboard Equipment
Simplifying Onboard Energy Systems through Catenary-Fed Design
Presented by Francisco Mauro, Sales Development Manager, Premium PSU
Traditional onboard power systems often require multiple conversion stages between the catenary and end-use equipment. Each stage introduces losses, added complexity, and increased maintenance demands.
In this session, Mr Francisco Mauro from Premium PSU will present the development of railway inverters designed to draw power directly from the high-voltage DC catenary to supply onboard loads more efficiently. The 35 kW NP-0827 inverter established the platform for the compact 6.4 kVA OVX-6400, a SiC-based design that delivers the same performance and reliability in a smaller, lighter format.
By reducing conversion stages and optimising control, these inverters increase efficiency for high-demand systems such as HVAC, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
In railcar applications, HVAC systems represent one of the largest continuous power draws, with frequent load variations and high start-up currents that challenge conventional conversion architectures. Developed in collaboration with global railcar and HVAC OEMs, Premium PSU’s catenary-fed designs minimise conversion losses, improve thermal performance, and enable more stable, efficient operation under variable load conditions. This approach enhances passenger comfort and reliability while lowering lifecycle costs and improving overall energy utilisation across the train’s onboard network.
Beyond Backup
Unlocking the Value of Distributed Battery Assets in Rail Networks
Presented by Kent Lin, Lead Engineer, Delta Electronics Australia
Across every major rail network, thousands of distributed battery systems sit quietly in communications huts, signalling enclosures, and power supply rooms. Traditionally, these assets have been installed solely for backup or UPS functionality to keep critical systems online during grid interruptions.
In this session, Kent Lin from Delta Electronics will highlight the role of Delta and Eltek power systems already deployed across Queensland Rail and Aurizon’s telecommunications networks, outlining how proven DC power platforms continue to evolve to meet modern operational and lifecycle demands.
Kent will also share updates on key system features and introduce Delta’s upcoming controller platform, designed to simplify network management and enhance visibility across multi-site infrastructure.
The presentation will then look ahead to how these same assets could deliver far greater value in the future. By combining advances in DC power system architecture with scalable energy storage technology, Delta is helping reimagine how distributed battery systems can enhance reliability, reduce operational costs, and unlock new opportunities through services such as peak shaving, demand response, and participation in FCAS markets.
Built to Endure
Designing reliable DC-DC Power Converters for the demands of Rail
Presented by Lance Huang, Deputy Manager, Cincon
Railway power systems are exposed to wide and unpredictable voltage conditions. A 110Vdc rail supply can vary anywhere from 43Vdc to 154Vdc during start-up, braking, or regeneration events. Designing converters that remain stable and efficient across these extremes requires significant innovation in both circuit design and materials science.
This session explores how Cincon engineers high-efficiency DC/DC converters that are truly built to endure. It highlights how advances in semiconductor technology, improved converter topologies, and digital control have made wide input range operation possible while maintaining high efficiency and compact size. Using simulation-driven design tools such as PSIM, ANSYS MAXWELL, and ICEPAK, Cincon optimises circuit stability, thermal performance, and compliance with EN 50155 and EN 50121 standards.
Drawing on real-world case studies from both international passenger and freight projects, Cincon will share how its converters perform in service across Europe, Asia, and Australia, and the lessons learned from designing for harsh operating conditions and long service life.
Powering Rail Surveillance
Enhancing Safety and Security with Autonomous CCTV and Lighting Solutions
Presented by Steve Davis, National Sales Manager, Rapid Power Systems
Monitoring and protecting rail assets requires more than fixed infrastructure, it demands mobile, adaptable solutions that can perform in any environment. Rapid Power Systems has developed a comprehensive range of deployable and fixed surveillance platforms designed to meet these challenges head-on.
At Powering Evolution in Rail, Steve Davis will present how Rapid Power’s deployable CCTV trailers, powered by EFOY Pro Direct Methanol Fuel Cells supplied by Powerbox, are redefining what’s possible for continuous monitoring in remote and shaded locations. Unlike solar-based systems, these fuel cell–powered platforms operate silently and reliably, without dependence on sunlight or external refuelling, ensuring uninterrupted visibility across the network.
Attendees will gain insight into how Rapid Power’s integrated solutions, from mobile trailers to pole-mounted CCTV and lighting systems, are supporting rail operators to enhance safety compliance, improve situational awareness, and enable faster incident response in the field.
The session will also explore how autonomous power, smart analytics, and resilient communications are shaping the next generation of connected rail surveillance systems across Australia.
Intelligence in Motion
Smart Motor Technologies Driving the Future of Public Transportation
Presented by Christoph Gut, Regional Sales Manager EMEA/APAC, Dunkermoteren
As trains, metro fleets, and light rail vehicles become smarter and more connected, the motion technologies behind them must keep pace. Every function, from automatic doors and ramps to braking systems, access gates, voltage switches, and pantograph controls, depends on precise, efficient, and intelligent drive solutions that combine mechanical reliability with digital control.
In this session, Christoph Gut will explore how Dunkermotoren’s smart motor technologies are redefining motion and automation in modern public transport systems. By combining brushed and brushless DC motor designs with integrated gearboxes, brakes, and encoders, Dunkermotoren delivers compact drive systems that provide high torque density, long service life, and straightforward integration within vehicle control systems.
Attendees will also gain insight as Christoph explains how embedded electronics, fieldbus communication, and condition monitoring enable predictive maintenance, improved energy efficiency, and reduced downtime. Drawing on proven applications across international train, metro, and light rail projects, he will demonstrate how smart motor technology is helping operators and manufacturers enhance reliability and prepare for the next generation of connected, intelligent transport systems.
Meet the Presenters
James Rutty
Powerbox Australia Pty Ltd
As Director of Powerbox, James leads the delivery of power conversion, energy storage, and motion & drive technologies for critical infrastructure across Australia & New Zealand.
He brings extensive experience across the Rail sector and a clear understanding of the challenges posed by long corridors, harsh environments, and tight maintenance windows.
Focused on engineered, fit-for-purpose solutions, James helps rail organisations improve reliability, safety, and maintainability while reducing lead times and lifecycle costs.
Scott Geldard
Hypha
Scott Geldard is a Brisbane-based Director at Hypha, where he leads the delivery of advanced communications technologies for mission-critical users. With extensive experience working alongside defence, emergency services, and government agencies, Scott has overseen the large-scale rollout of Hypha’s Vehicle-as-a-Node technology, including deployment across 5,000 NSW Rural Fire Service vehicles.
Based in Queensland, he understands the challenges of delivering resilient connectivity across regional and remote Australia and is passionate about ensuring organisations operating in demanding environments have the tools they need to stay connected, maintain situational awareness, and keep their people safe.
Francisco Mauro
Premium PSU
Sales Development Manager at Premium PSU, specialised in business development and project management with more than 15 years of experience in industrial installations, renewable energies, and power electronics.
Key achievements include expanding Premium’s presence in more than 10 countries, strengthening business ties with distributors, major high-tech machinery manufacturers, and companies in the railway sector.
Kent Lin
Delta Electronics Australia
Kent Lin is a Lead Engineer at Delta Electronics Australia, specialising in low voltage switchgear and DC renewable power solutions. With extensive experience spanning small to large-scale power system design, installation, and commissioning, Kent has played a key role in delivering reliable energy solutions across a range of critical applications. His background also includes deep expertise in data centre power distribution design and protection analysis, giving him a unique perspective on how proven technologies from other sectors can enhance reliability and efficiency in rail environments.
Lance Huang
Cincon
Dr. Lance Huang is the Deputy Manager at Cincon Electronics, bringing over 16 years of experience in switch-mode power supply design and development. Holding a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Dr. Huang specialises in DC/DC converters, AC/DC power supplies, power factor correction (PFC), and ZVS circuit topologies. His leadership in R&D has driven advancements in high-efficiency power conversion and advanced circuit design. Drawing on this expertise, Dr. Huang provides valuable insight into how Cincon’s proven technologies can enhance reliability, performance, and energy efficiency within modern rail power systems.
Steve Davis
Rapid Power Systems
With over 20 years of experience, Steve is passionate about education and technology awareness. He regularly presents and trains industry partners on emerging solutions in security, surveillance, architectural lighting, and smart city applications.
His expertise, combined with a strong focus on customer success and product innovation, positions him as a trusted leader in driving the adoption of solar-powered solutions.
Christoph Gut
Dunkermoteren
Christoph Gut has been a valued member of Dunkermotoren for over 35 years, during which he has held various positions across Application Engineering and Sales.
In his current role as Regional Sales Manager EMEA/APAC, he is responsible for overseeing and developing business activities in Spain, Portugal, Eastern Europe, India, Australia, Japan, and Taiwan.
His extensive industry experience and deep technical expertise have significantly contributed to the company’s international growth and customer engagement across diverse markets.
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