AUSTRIA: ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has undertaken endurance testing with its digital automatic coupler demonstrator train in winter conditions including temperatures down to -15°C, freezing rain and fresh snow
The train including multiple wagon and coupler types is touring the national network this year to test the interaction of systems from different manufacturers under real world conditions.
The three-week winter weather trial at Schwarzach-St Veit looked at repeated mechanical coupling operations, electrical uncoupling and the functionality of the air and data connections. Particular attention was paid to the possible effects of cold weather on lubricants, seals and electrical contacts.
To simulate longer idle periods typical in rail freight operations, the train was also stabled in Böckstein for 10 days with snow allowed to penetrate components in order to identify potential weak points.
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group reports that the preliminary results were ‘thoroughly positive’, with the DAC systems demonstrating a high level of reliability and robustness under demanding winter conditions.
The results of the trials will be shared with DAC demonstration projects in Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland.
‘The tests provide valuable insights for the further development of the technology and confirm that we are on the right track towards a Europe-wide standardised Digital Automatic Coupling’, said ÖBB Rail Cargo Group CEO Bettina Castillo on March 6. ’Each individual test series brings us a decisive step closer to a practical and robust solution for European rail freight transport. Close co-operation across Europe and joint implementation of this key technology are crucial to achieving success.’
