Condition monitoring integrated into urban timetable

The Wiener Linien metro network comprises 253 km of track. It had a ridership of 352 million passengers in 2023. And the network continues to grow. With the U2 metro line expanding and the construction of the new U5, its capacity will increase greatly. The new InfraSpector 10.5 replaces a predecessor track inspection vehicle at the end of its service life. Optimized for measurement during normal operations, the new vehicle provides track data while integrated into underground trains or optionally travelling at speeds of up to 80 km/h with its own traction vehicle. In addition to the track geometry, the wear and surface quality of the rails and the track environment are analysed in-depth. The infrastructure manager’s experts carefully examine the non-contact measuring data while the vehicle is travelling. Additional analyses for data management take place in the back office with the tmOS application hub. Precautionary measures with regard to cybersecurity were of course taken into account.

The track inspection vehicle has its own energy supply from battery packs to independently power the measuring systems. Charging takes place using the conductor rail or the U6’s overhead contact line.

Fit for the future with a lightweight design

The InfraSpector 10.5’s full-length aluminium cab ensures a low vehicle mass with an axle load of just 9 t. It is also possible to integrate add-ons, such as an ultrasonic measuring system for detecting rail defects, at a later time without exceeding the axle load. The space and interfaces for this have already been prepared. For maintenance purposes, opening flaps on the side provide ergonomic access. They are easy to reach from the platform.

The EM160 has plenty of room for measuring data and high speed in a desert climate

With an 18 m bogie pivot distance, measuring speeds of up to 160 km/h, and a spacious working and living environment for two-shift operation, a new high-capacity vehicle for Saudi Arabia has a great deal to offer. The design for outdoor temperatures of up to 55°C required extensive thermal management. After all, the power requirement of one megawatt also necessitates adequate cooling. Large cooling units on the vehicle roof protect the converter, traction motors, and electronics from overheating. Special air inlet grilles with air flow deflection filter out sand and relieve the filter systems of the motor and generator.

The load profiles simulated in engineering for the Mecca-Medina line served as a reference in order to maximize the efficiency of the diesel-electric drivetrain. This involves climbing a gradient comparable to that in the Alps. The high-speed line rises from sea level to almost 1,000 metres.

Underfloor drive system offers more space

By housing the entire drive system underfloor in the frame, more usable space remains. In its largest design, the new platform of the Plasser InfraSpector offers around 40 m² of usable space.

With self-propelled track inspection vehicles, bogie pivot distances range from 12.5 to 18 metres. In addition, alternative solutions for integrating measuring systems as part of modern asset management are available. They include container modules or road-rail vehicles, such as the Plasser InfraSpector Truck presented at InnoTrans 2024.