Siemens was awarded a €100m turnkey contract by the Qatar Foundation in July 2012 to equip the 11.5km line, which will link Education City with the Doha Metro. In addition to signalling and communications systems, electrification, and depot equipment, the contract includes a fleet of 19 Avenios, which will be equipped with the Sitras HES onboard energy storage system for catenary-free operation.
The roof-mounted Sitras HES module combines a double-layer capacitor with a NiMH battery, allowing the vehicle to store both traction and braking energy. Power converters transform the three-phase current with a rated voltage of 11kV into the 750V dc required for charging the energy storage unit. The system will complete its charging cycle in just 20 seconds, taking power from charging points installed at each of the line's 25 stations, which will be fed by centralised rectifier substations.
The LRVs will also be adapted for operations in high temperatures, with a powerful air-conditioning system and sun shades to protect roof-mounted electrical equipment from radiant heat. The 27.7m-long three-section vehicles feature a 2.55m-wide bodyshell and will accommodate up to 239 passengers.
