Dynamize your TRAFFIC FLOW: Knorr-Bremse technologies for increasing transportation capacity and availability on rail networks
Knorr-Bremse solutions to be presented at InnoTrans make key contributions to improving traffic flow, expanding transportation capacity and increasing availability on rail networks.
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Transforming the mobility landscape involves increasing the share of rail traffic in the mobility mix. This can only be achieved by dynamizing the flow of traffic on rail networks and increasing their transportation capacity. To fully utilize rail infrastructure, new-generation braking systems are just as important as digitized, automated rail freight. At InnoTrans 2024, Knorr-Bremse will be demonstrating key development strategies and innovations with the help of impressive exhibits in the “Traffic Flow” solutions area (Main Hall 1.2., Booth 250).
Dr. Nicolas Lange, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG with global responsibility for the Rail division: “The world’s rail industry must satisfy a growing need for mobility, while at the same time being capable of sustainably transporting an ever-growing volume of freight. Delivering suitably advanced technologies is a key factor in responding to these two fundamental challenges. This is where Knorr-Bremse is making a major contribution. Among other solutions, new generations of braking technologies and market-leading systems for digitizing and automating rail freight will play a key role in improving rail transportation capacity, availability and operating efficiency. In turn, this will enable the rail industry to handle the steady increase in passenger and freight levels.”
“Evolution of Braking” – braking technologies for all train types and applications
“Evolution of Braking” is the principle underlying Knorr-Bremse’s efforts to develop even better braking dynamics, more efficient braking performance and greater vehicle availability. Full of innovative functionality, the company’s digital-electropneumatic (brake-by-air) and entirely new digital-electromechanical (brake-by-wire) braking systems will help to boost transportation capacity and optimize traffic flow. An extraordinary, six-meter-long exhibit at InnoTrans will compare and contrast the two technologies while giving tangible form to Knorr-Bremse’s integrated systems philosophy, which encompasses braking signal transmissions, the processing and distribution of braking signals, and the high-precision transfer of the actual braking force ("Supply-Control-Act").
The digital-electromechanical braking system works on the brake-by-wire principle, relying entirely on electricity to transfer both braking signals and braking force – no need for compressed air or oil. The principle further improves braking dynamics so that braking distances can be reduced, resulting in greater track capacity and more dynamic traffic flow. The elimination of compressed air and oil saves energy and weight, giving vehicles designers greater freedom and flexibility. In short, the digital-electromechanical braking system represents a paradigm shift for train braking systems, totally focused on electrification, eco-efficiency, optimized performance and ease of maintenance.
The digital-electropneumatic braking system includes the latest generation of the CubeControl brake control system, featuring an even more sophisticated combination of pneumatics, electronics and software that further improves reliability and performance. The controller supports other Knorr-Bremse system innovations such as Reproducible Braking Distance (RBD), a technology that helps to make braking distances more precisely predictable in all conditions. In turn, RBD is laying the foundations for increased train frequency, more reliable scheduling, greater punctuality – and ultimately, automatic train operation (ATO).
Smart, ultra-compact hydraulic brakes are in especially high demand for streetcars and light rail vehicles. Here, Knorr-Bremse has adopted a modular approach that meets a broad range of customer requirements. With its compact dimensions and modular design, the powerful HydroControl Smart electrohydraulic supply and control unit is ideal for use in hydraulic braking systems. Despite its support for a wide variety of functions, the unit’s standardized electronic and mechanical interfaces make it much easier to install and manage in vehicles.
Digital Automatic Coupler – enabling the freight transportation of the future
Knorr-Bremse’s Future Rail Freight Transportation concept is paving the way for tomorrow’s enhanced rail freight capabilities. To do so, the company is applying its integrated systems approach – high-quality hardware (DAC) plus an automation system backed by digital services – to create a pioneering, all-in-one package for efficient freight forwarding.
Here, Knorr-Bremse’s version of the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) – known as FreightLink – will play a vital role. For the first time, it will enable train-wide power and data connections as the basis for comprehensive rail freight digitalization. And in another first, the coupling head of the latest stage in the DAC’s evolution – the DAC 5 – will be equipped with a high-performance electrical actuator, so that freight cars and locomotives can be remotely uncoupled either by the locomotive driver, via the train control management system (TCMS), or by a pushbutton next to the coupling point.
Other functions that will make a major contribution to operational efficiency and streamlined processes include automatic Train Composition Detection (train inauguration). This will provide much-needed transparency concerning the number, identification, orientation and sequence of the railcars in a trainset – a process that automated brake testing will help to speed up as part of the FreightControl automation suite. The trade-fair exhibit will also showcase wireless systems that represent alternatives to DAC-bound automation solutions.
Knorr-Bremse’s own booth will include a demonstration of the new DAC 5 with an open coupling head, so that visitors can observe the coupling and uncoupling process. But the DAC will also be on display in the trade fair’s European Union Village, at the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) booth, and in the outdoor exhibition area, installed in two freight cars produced by Slovakian railcar manufacturer Tatravagónka.
Sanitary systems – smart maintenance solutions for improving train availability
While sanitary facilities make an important contribution to passenger comfort, they are also mission-critical components for operators. The Knorr-Bremse Group brand Evac is a leading supplier of fully integrated sanitary systems, and the company’s innovative solutions meet all the most demanding criteria for comfort coupled with reliability. In addition to the latest “Next Generation Toilet” sanitary facility, Evac will be exhibiting a prototype of the MLC 2.0 control system, designed to enable intelligent, “Data2Action” maintenance. Real-time monitoring will collect key operating data from the sanitary system, eventually supporting both Remote Condition Monitoring and Condition Based Maintenance – another important step toward improved vehicle availability.
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