ABB Showcases Leading-Edge Rail Technologies at InnoTrans in Berlin

Sept. 20, 2016
ABB presented a wide range of innovative rail technologies for rolling stock and infrastructure at InnoTrans in Berlin, from September 20-23, 2016.

ABB presented a wide range of innovative rail technologies for rolling stock and infrastructure at InnoTrans in Berlin, from September 20-23, 2016. ABB will exhibit some of its latest traction and power technologies as well as service and asset management solutions, to support train manufacturers, railway operators and network managers with reliable, energy-efficient and intelligent solutions.

As a world premiere, ABB will debut its Effilight traction transformer which features a unique patented design enabling a significant reduction in the amount of oil required. As a result, the technology enables significant weight reduction and energy savings for train manufacturers and railway operators. ABB will also launch its Bordline next-generation battery charger. Incorporating silicon carbide technology, it offers the most compact design, high power density, reliability and easy maintenance.

“ABB’s focus at InnoTrans is on innovative technologies to help our customers meet their operational and financial goals while minimizing environmental impact” said Jean-Luc Favre, head of ABB’s rail industry sector initiative. ”Transport and infrastructure are key focus areas in ABB’s Next Level strategy and part of the company’s ongoing commitment and the solutions showcased by us support our vision of sustainable mobility for a better world.”

ABB will showcase its highly energy-efficient traction converter replacing the older GTO converters in the Re460 locomotive. The new IGBT converters increase train availability, reduce operating cost and help extend the service life of the locomotives by another 20 years. Another key exhibit is ABB's modular Conceptpower DPA 120/240 uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which keeps rail networks moving safely and smoothly with maximum reliability. Also on display will be flexible and highly performance turbocharging solutions for diesel locomotives and ‘Pluto’, a compact, powerful and user-friendly safety PLC (programmable logic controller) for rolling stock.

As part of its service offering, ABB will highlight sensor and software-based solutions to facilitate the integration of operational and information technologies and enable asset health management, in line with the company’s Internet of Things, Services and People (IoTSP) approach.