- ABB showcases rail innovation for a sustainable and smarter transport future at InnoTrans 2022
- Including a range of efficient, cost-effective and high-performance power supply solutions to facilitate the energy transition
- Along with digital technologies designed to empower rail operators with the insights needed to make better energy decisions
ABB will be showcasing its wide range of innovative solutions for the rail industry at the InnoTrans 2022 international exhibition for transport technology (20-23 September, Berlin), as it continues to electrify the world of transport in a safe, smart and sustainable way.
ABB’s engineering roots lie in the electrification of the Swiss railway network more than a century ago and we remain standard setters in sustainable transportation solutions. Drawing on this rich history in railway infrastructure, particularly in rail decarbonization, the company will use InnoTrans to highlight its innovation, performance and expertise at Booth 325 in Hall 9.
“Rail may be top of the list in sustainable transport, but it still faces some important challenges. One of the most pressing of these is implementing credible decarbonization programs that align with wider government policy and net-zero goals. Adding complexity is the unfolding energy crisis, which is forcing operators to urgently seek ways to reduce costs and achieve energy security. The good news is that there is still huge potential for the industry to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, improve resilience, and create new value – much of which electrification, self-generation and digitalization has the answer to,” said Antonio Colla, ABB’s Global Railway Marketing and Sales Manager
As rail operators around the world press ahead with rail electrification targets, ABB offers a full spectrum of DC traction power solutions, including traction rectifiers, DC switchgear and protection systems designed to enable operators to build and operate high-performance, safe and reliable modern rail systems with ease. This includes the Gerapid DC high speed circuit-breaker, which has been specifically designed to ensure maximum performance with thermal currents up to 8000A. ABB also offers the option of the UniPack-G compact secondary substation, optimized for use in harsh environments, complete with AC power system which is pre-assembled, pre-tested and transported to site ready to ‘plug and play’ for minimized disruption and optimized project cost efficiency.
ABB will also present its onboard traction components solutions. This includes BORDLINE® CC1500 AC, which incorporates ABB’s patented multi-level converter topology, semiconductor technology and advanced efficiency control to offer the most efficient traction chain on the market for regional trains. Other solutions include BORDLINE® M static converter, a compact, robust unit used to generate onboard supply voltages for light rail vehicles. This sits alongside BORDLINE® BC, the most compact silicon carbide battery charger for all railway applications, and ABB Permanent magnet motors, designed to synchronize frequency converter supply for high-speed accuracy.
But for ABB it isn’t just about securing a reliable, safe power supply but ensuring every single kilowatt (kw) of energy works as hard as possible through highly effective energy management. The Enviline™ Energy Storage System (ESS), can be positioned along the DC line allowing surplus regenerative braking energy to be captured and re-injected directly back into the line to support the acceleration of other nearby trains. Talking self-generation one step further, the Enviline™ Energy Recuperation System (ERS) is instead installed at the DC traction substation enabling braking energy to be fed directly back to the AC supply grid.
In continuing to power rail operators with the insights needed to make better energy decisions, attendees will also gain access to the industry-leading ABB Ability™ portfolio of state-of-the-art digital solutions designed to drive energy reductions and operational improvements. Highlights include_
- ABB Ability™ Energy and Asset Manager, which provides deep visibility into all aspects of energy performance, empowering operators to make insight-led decisions around consumption and carbon footprint.
- ABB Ability™ Operations Data Management - zenon – a secure operations data management platform that easily connects machines, infrastructure, and production assets.
- ABB Ability™ solutions enable operators to digitalize substations to increase efficiency, power supply quality requirements and lifecycle management.
The company will also be holding three expert talks at the event’s popular Speaker’s Corner, covering: ‘Renewable energy for rail: BORDLINE® Energy Storage Systems (ESS)’; ‘Smart energy management solutions for DC traction systems – how to take full advantage of surplus braking energy’ and ‘Innovative structure mounted outdoor switchgear for 1AC or 2AC traction power supply applications’.
This comes as ABB continues to play a lead role in the sustainable rail revolution with recent high-profile projects with Metro Trains Melbourne and Deutsche Bahn, helping operators to electrify their rail network, reduce emissions and cut costs.
For example, SF6-free PrimeGear™ ZX0 switchgear from ABB will support Deutsche Bahn’s ambitious plans to decarbonize its network by 2040. It is a major milestone on the broader ‘Green Transformation’ journey of Deutsche Bahn which aims to create a more sustainable, greenhouse gas-free rail network for future generations. The implementation of this innovative SF6-free primary switchgear with AirPlus™ will keep Deutsche Bahn on track to make their service as environmentally friendly as possible.
“Drawing on our rich 100-year legacy of working with some of the biggest rail operators from across the world, we continue to invest heavily in developing and delivering the innovation needed to enable a green mobility future. InnoTrans offers the ideal platform to demonstrate our ever-expanding rail portfolio and provide expert consultancy, as we continue to power a new era of sustainable transport,” added Colla.
To find out more about ABB’s railway solutions, visit https://new.abb.com/events/innotrans
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
Electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way, ABB Electrification is a global technology leader in electrical distribution and management from source to socket. As the world’s demand for electricity grows, our 50,000+ employees across 100 countries collaborate with customers and partners to transform how people connect, live and work. We develop innovative products, solutions and digital technologies that enable energy efficiency and a low carbon society across all sectors. By applying global scale with local expertise, we shape and support global trends, deliver excellence for customers and power a sustainable future for society. go.abb/electrification
