High Tech on the railway
Systematically saving costs
An average of 30 years of operation in passenger and goods transport means one thing: The cost-effectiveness of a train depends to a large extent on the service life of its components. Faster journey and transport speeds, driving safety, and more demanding requirements on comfort require continuous improvements in components. ZF engineers set out to meet current challenges and to develop pioneering technologies for rail vehicles. This approach results in low vehicle weight, greater ride comfort and safety as well as reduced fuel consumption and lower emission levels.
Combining Benefits
Highly integrated products are the key to this. The components are matched in identical modules and weight reductions are achieved. Available from a single source, and functioning as a complete system, they deliver greater safety and economy. ZF technology for rail vehicles combines the very latest of components and a high level of systems expertise.
Modular kit system
- With the 6-speed EcoLife transmission and a gear set reversing transmission, diesel multiple units glide down the tracks with engine torque ratings of up to 2500 newton meters, traveling from one station to the next quickly, quietly and cleanly.
- The Rail Drive Control System (RDCS) is a central communication interface between the train control unit and the ZF system. RDCS controls the entire reversing shift process. It constitutes the control unit between transmission and axle reversing gearbox. RDCS reduces the cost of integration, and the customer benefits from systems expertise.
- Damping technology is based on the use of standardized twin-tube dampers. By virtue of their modular layout and space-saving design, these dampers can be installed in vertical or horizontal positions. For more complex requirements on bogie and carriage body, ZF Sachs offers yaw dampers and "Inter-Car" dampers. The electrically controlled yaw damper rounds off the product range.
Reach the destination quickly and ecologically
The capabilities expected of rail vehicles are rising all the time: Increased fuel effi ciency and reduced noise emissions coupled with better environmental credentials are called for. In these areas, ZF is setting new standards. For example, in 2008, ZF became the first European company to start volume production of hybrid drives. Rail transport also benefits from this. With the hybrid version of EcoLife Rail, an ultra-modern transmission will be available in future which offers all the benefits of hybrid technology. The intelligent interaction between electrical and engine-powered driving modes conserves resources, thereby substantially reducing CO2 emissions. This also makes sound environmental sense.
