GERMANY: The DAC4EU digital automatic coupler pilot project has commissioned Voith to supply a further 30 CargoFlex freight couplers and two CargoFlex hybrid couplers by the end of the year for trials using 13 wagons and one locomotive.
The trials will be undertaken by Westfälische Landes-Eisenbahn, which has been operating a pair of wagons with digital automatic couplers in commercial service since March.
The couplers can be uncoupled manually via an uncoupling device on the wagon side. The E-Coupler component of the DAC offers a continuous power and data connection between the wagons, and will enable future functions such as automatic brake testing which has been developed in co-operation with Austrian company PJM.
Further functions, including automatic detection of train length, wagon sequence and train integrity, are planned.
‘We are delighted that DAC4EU is relying on our expertise for this exciting project’, said Kay-Uwe Kolshorn, Project Manager at Voith. ‘In this way, we also gain valuable practical experience and prove that the DAC is suitable for use in this demanding application.’
