Certainly one of the highlights on the Siemens Mobility stand at InnoTrans was the new Vectron locomotive, which Siemens first showed to the railway industry in June. Vectron locomotives can be used for international and national freight and passenger traffic.
Vectron is attractive to customers who want to buy smaller numbers of units. The locomotives are designed for a standard maximum speed of 160 km/h. Vectron with an appropriate preliminary equipment package can be upgraded to a fast 200 km/h version without necessitating any major modifications. For example, there is no need to change the bogies. A special feature of the Siemens vehicle concept is the internal deformation zone, the front end. It has a detachable connection to the car body which makes it easy to replace in the event of an accident. Moreover, Siemens presents different versions of Vectron.
Inspiro – a new metro platform
Another vehicle presented by Siemens was a product of the public transport family of vehicles, the Inspiro metro. The special train concept based on self-contained units enables any configuration from a three to eight-car train to be formed with variable degrees of motorisation. Boarding and exiting times have been greatly reduced thanks to wider doors and load detection systems. The interior can be equipped with lateral seats in line or mixed. The vehicle concept was developed in conformity with the latest standards of damage systems and protection against fire, while the train body case resists compression extremely well. The interior is equipped with video monitoring systems, as well as fire protection systems. Inspiro can be also equipped with derailment detection systems and door monitoring for optimizing the passengers’ safety. Last but not least, Inspiro means lower energy consumption. The lightweight aluminium carriage structure, the new demand-controlled air conditioning and the weight-optimised chassis reduce energy consumption. The optional driver assistance system and the possibility of driverless operation, as a unique feature also in combination with conventional operation, guarantee the highest level of energy efficiency. The Syntegra system, available as an alternative to conventional drive technology, is particularly efficient, reducing energy consumption by as much as 30% and lowering maintenance costs by up to 15%.
Desiro ML – specially designed for regional transport
At InnoTrans 2010, Siemens has also exhibited another version of the Desiro ML (MainLine) which has been designed for Belgium State Railways (SNCB). The longer train length of almost 80 meters provides a seating capacity of 280. These trains will be delivered to SNCB during 2010 as part of an order calling for 305 three-car electric multiple units. The diesel-generator set newly developed for the diesel-electric version of the Desiro ML offers a truly innovative and environmentally enhanced solution. It can achieve energy savings of up to 30% in comparison with conventional diesel-mechanical or diesel-electric traction systems.
The Desiro ML has already proved being very successful both at home and abroad, with over 600 orders either confirmed or notified through master agreements.
Efficient electrification solutions for rail traffic
Energy storage systems store the energy generated during braking and can then feed it back into the system when required. This reduces power consumption and stabilises the line voltage. At InnoTrans 2010, Siemens showed the storage systems required for each electrification system: Sistras SES for stationary use; Sistras MES for use on board trains; and Sistras HES which has an additional traction battery that makes mobile use possible even where there is no overhead line. All versions contain the new Sistras ESM 125 core module. It employs double-layer capacitors, which can be converted to higher voltage units by connecting several modules in series. This makes the storage modules even more compact and efficient. And with adapted cooling they are even suitable for use under extreme climate conditions, such as those encountered in Arab countries.
by Pamela Luică
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