Annual Report 2012 - Knorr-Bremse AG.

88 Report Service // Rail vehicle systems
basic training on braking systems and their maintenance, diagnostics training and special training in
recommissioning following a major inspection. In addition there are advanced modules involving
further braking systems. The first pilot sessions held during 2012 were highly successful and generated
very positive feedback.
Oil-free compressors
from Knorr-Bremse
supplement ÖBB’s
environmental
strategy.
Knorr-Bremse retrofits Austrian Talent trains
During the year under review Knorr-Bremse started the task of replacing oil-lubricated compressors
manufactured by a competitor and supplied as original equipment to the Talent commuter trains
operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB) with 330 Type VV120-T environmentally friendly oil-free compressors.
As ÖBB already draws most of its electricity from its own hydroelectric power stations, the
installation of environmentally friendly Knorr-Bremse compressors formed an ideal complement to
the company’s environmental strategy. Installation of the first compressors began during 2012, and
by 2017 at the latest, the entire fleet of 165 vehicles will have been refitted.
What attracted ÖBB to the Knorr-Bremse product were the low life cycle costs of the compressors and
the technical support on offer. Rapid availability of the compressors for pilot testing and the backup
from Knorr-Bremse specialists available during the first months of the project helped clinch the decision.
The VV120-T not only uses some 20% less energy than a traditional piston compressor – it also operates
without any oil lubrication, which means that in the case of a large fleet, thousands of liters of oil
can be saved and there is no need to dispose of oil-contaminated water condensate. The oil-free
compressor also enhances passenger comfort as it reduces levels of vibration and is therefore virtually
silent.
Knorr-Bremse secures contracts for upgrade projects in Poland
Poland is one of the top four European countries in terms of the size of its rail vehicle fleet. In addition
to purchasing new vehicles, the country is also carrying out extensive upgrading of its older rolling
stock.
As a highly experienced global system supplier, Knorr-Bremse is an ideal partner for implementing
upgrade projects. In addition to the high quality of its products, the company’s core competences
include excellent project management, customized systems development, modern production techniques
and comprehensive long-term backup – all factors that enabled it to take part in two extensive
upgrade projects in the Polish rail market during 2012.
The first project involved EN57 multiple units from Polish manufacturer Pafawag that had been supplied
between 1961 and 1993 to Polskie Koleje Państwowe (PKP), the biggest Polish rail operator.
Knorr-Bremse supplied an ESRA-based EP Compact brake control system with integrated parking
brake control and distributor valve, as well as an air supply system consisting of SL20 compressors
with dual chamber air dryers.
The second project concerned SM42 locomotives manufactured by Malady Fablok, 867 of which still
form the backbone of Polish freight operations. This project involved new brake panels with BP Compact,
distributor valves, an ESRA electronic brake control system, SL20 compressors, and dual chamber
air dryers.
Service order for hydraulic braking system goes to Knorr-Bremse
Naples mass transit authority Azienda Napoletana Mobilità (ANM) operates 22 streetcars based on