ROLLING STOCK AND TRACTION
technology Nick R
ail braking systems have evolved and developed for over a century now but
the basic principles have remained largely unchanged. However, the real developments are taking place in the area of brake control and Knorr-Bremse, the leader in rail braking systems, is at the forefront of that new innovative fi eld.
In recent years the Knorr-Bremse Rail Group has been developing technology designed to provide real benefi ts to train builders and operators. One approach is the creation of systems that deliver more precise and accurate braking control and that can optimise energy use and reduce life cycle costs.
Mechatronics
Knorr-Bremse has developed two mechatronic (mechanical/electronic) systems: EP2002 Distributed Brake control (DBC) and the recently launched EP1001,
which has
been specially developed for freight train applications.
Knorr-Bremse EP2002 has been a huge success around the world, especially on metro trains in China where it has become almost the ‘standard’ metro brake control system, and also in the Middle East where it is used on the longest fully-automated metro in the world in Dubai.
EP2002 delivers Distributed Brake Control (DBC) across the entire train by self-compensating in real time. Valves situated through the train are in constant communication, effectively ‘talking’ to each other so that at any given second they can combine to deliver the optimum across train
Above: EP2002 units in production at the Knorr-Bremse UK facility in Melksham, Wiltshire, for worldwide export.
braking effort. Therefore if one carriage is full and another empty, the forces applied to the brakes on that carriage are adjusted so that the entire train’s braking performance is optimised. This provides safer and more accurate performance than conventional ‘uniform’ braking systems, and is very suited to driverless metro systems, which are becoming more widespread. EP2002 has also been used on mainline applications in the UK.
The new version of EP2002, shown at Railtex, features a direct ethernet connectivity facility as well as new ‘Brakes Explorer Software’, which facilitates access to the status of each EP2002 unit and provides read-out on a laptop with clear and easy-to-read graphics. Therefore individual valves, which are virtually ‘plug and play’, can be interrogated on-train and easily replaced if there is any ‘health problem’.
Above: The innovative EP1001 Wheel Slide Protection system for freight wagons can be fi tted to both new build wagons and, in most cases, retrofi tted to existing wagons.
50 | rail technology magazine Apr/May 13
The innovative EP1001 system can be fi tted to new- build freight wagons and in most cases, thanks to the system’s ability to generate its own power – so no new wiring required – simply retro-fi tted to existing wagons. The system provides a solution to the potentially dangerous, disruptive and expensive problem of wheel ‘fl ats’, which can occur during braking. This problem, which can caused, for
be example, by poor wheel/rail adhesion
conditions or due to an incorrect load weigh signal, resulting in over-braking, can mean a loss of operational service, rail damage and the expense of over-frequent wheel turning.
Oil-free
But it is not only in the area of brake control that Knorr-Bremse has also been applying its engineering expertise. The group has also been looking at reducing the environmental impact in rail braking systems such as with the oil-free compressor.
Through the use of specially developed coatings, the Knorr-Bremse oil-free compressor range uses no oil, fi lters or condensate so has a signifi cantly reduced effect on the environment. The oil-free compressors need less servicing and are more economical in-service, so there is less to worry about for operators.
The compressors are also designed to produce less vibration and noise and therefore to enhance passenger comfort and are well- proven in-service.
The global Knorr-Bremse Group will continue to focus its expertise on developing new, innovative braking technology that enhances safety, increases performance and lowers life cycle costs whilst reducing the effects on the environment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
T: 01225 898811 E:
nick.brailey@
knorr-bremse.com W:
www.knorr-bremse.co.uk
manager
Brailey, marketing and communications at
Knorr-Bremse, developments in brake control. explains new
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