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    1. Rail

    Knorr-Bremse at InnoTrans: Future-proof System Solutions for World's Rail Transportation Markets

    Sept. 22, 2014

    With more than 100 years of experience in rail vehicle braking systems, Knorr-Bremse has positioned itself as a first mover in braking technology. The company offers highly integrated, intelligent systems based on proven solutions for the complete control and regulation of dynamic braking forces in rail vehicles. As the company's expertise ranges from complete systems right down to individual components, Knorr-Bremse is able to combine its products to form efficient overall solutions.

    An example of this is the brake control module with low-temperature capability developed for the ambitious Chinese CRH380B high-speed train project. The brake module's ability to function at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees C has greatly expanded the range of geographical terrains in which it can be used. To date, several thousand units of the basic versions of this brake module have already been supplied by Knorr-Bremse or are on the order books. That is what is understood by "proven technology." For the first time, Knorr-Bremse is also offering an air supply system, complete with compressor and air dryer, for the North American freight market. Both products have been developed and matched to maximize reliability and sustainability and extend maintenance cycles.

    The new Generation 4 entrance system from Knorr-Bremse subsidiary IFE delivers lower installation costs for vehicle builders, high reliability combined with reduced lifecycle costs for operators and top levels of passengers, thanks to its superior noise and heat insulation. Compared to its predecessor, the new system features a reduced installation height, while the number of components and the total weight has been almost halved. The system now also features impressive dirt- and dust-resistant linear guiding. 

    A complete E4 entrance system for regional and urban trains with door leaf, drive, and sliding step is on show at InnoTrans. The patented guide system for the sliding step eliminates sluggish movement and jamming and enables reliable weight detection to take place. 

    Knorr-Bremse subsidiary Merak demonstrates its HVAC expertise with a special sefl-cleaning sand filter system which uses pulses of compressed air to clean the filters. The system, which was specially designed for extreme desert conditions, now helps to achieve HVAC system maintenance intervals that match the general vehicle maintenance cycles even in desert regions. The system will first see service in the Haramain High Speed Railway project in Saudi Arabia, for which Knorr-Bremse is also supplying the braking and entrance systems.