Rolling Stock Technology and Innovations

Developing cutting-edge technologies for rolling stock by innovations in rail technology

Precise understanding of the mutual dependency and effects is absolutely essential to keep motive power units running and at the same time secure a reliable electric power supply. As technology moves forward for rolling stock and the assets, KEMA is engaged in innovative projects like the development of maglev systems, the utilization of electricity storage systems, and price-winning ideas.

The electrotechnical equipment of motive power units and the electrical rail power supply are mutually dependent. Acceleration, top speed and power requirements for auxiliaries and air conditioning, for example, have a direct effect on trains‘ overall power requirements. On the other side, there is the power capacity of the network and the instantaneous voltage at the current collector. A voltage-dependent current limitation has a direct effect on the driving profile. Precise understanding of the mutual effects is absolutely essential for optimal design of the system as a whole. In the case of a.c. railways, it is possible to adjust and improve the contact line voltage by controlling the power factor. Returning energy from regenerative braking demands the carefull coordination of protective functions between rolling stock and rail power supply.

KEMA Rail always considers the whole system when looking at the part of it. Energy analyses take the traction system - moving and stationary - as a whole into account. The evaluation of drive components and their impact on the rail power supply have been the subject of numerous KEMA studies.

Railway development does not stand still. New, innovative technologies are continually being introduced to rail industry. KEMA personnel are actively engaged in research projects, such as for example the development of maglev systems, the utilization of power storage systems in rail technology or the extension of electrical traction to non-rail transport.