Siemens - Stationary and Dynamic Rail Vehicle Testing

Siemens is one of the leading international single source suppliers of innovative and sustainable rail solutions for mass transit, regional and main line services: covering signaling and control systems, traction power supplies and rolling stock as well as turnkey systems and forward-looking service concepts.

IMPROVING RAIL-BOUND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Manufacturers and operators of rail-bound transportation systems are presently having to cope with two market developments: ever-shorter cycles of innovation and ever increasing pressure to cut costs. These, in turn, are placing ever-greater demands with respect to R&D and testing work because, today, new rail systems have to be fully operational and capable of providing reliable service from day one.

At its Wegberg-Wildenrath Test Center, Siemens has created the perfect conditions to meet these requirements. Test and trials of rolling stock and infrastructure can be carried out not only under extreme operating conditions, but also at far less cost and in much shorter time – with correspondingly positive results for our customers. We can test their individual transportation systems even before they are put into service and we can also evaluate possible changes and modifications under practical conditions.

STATE-OF-THE-ART ROLLING STOCK AND INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM TESTING

The Wegberg-Wildenrath Test Center is the most modern of its kind in the world. Here, our customers can find all the facilities they need for performing development, type and unit tests on their rolling stock and infrastructure systems – without the pressure of time normally associated with testing on their own tracks. The Test Center is certified according to DIN ISO 9001, ISO 14001, officially approved for railway tests by the Federal Railway Administration (EBA) and associated partner of the Notified Body Interoperability in Germany (EBCert).

STATIONARY TESTS

The vehicles are coupled together in the train formation buildings on three 70m tracks or on nine 220m tracks. These trains are then tested at standstill. Afterwards, they are prepared for the dynamic testing. At stationary tests we are also able to test the electrical and mechanical part of the vehicles.

DYNAMIC TESTS

After stationary testing, the vehicles can be examined while in motion on the track. Tests for the mechanical part as well as for the electrical part of the vehicle can be carried out under realistic operating conditions and extreme operating conditions can also be simulated.

TRACTION POWER SUPPLIES

The whole test area, the reserve sidings and the train formation buildings are electrified. In the shunting area, we work with diesel locomotives. The overhead line for DC and AC operation (2400A, 25kV) is in the form of a catenary with an RiS 120 contact wire, a messenger wire and a feeder line.

ROLLING STOCK TESTING FACILITIES - DATA AT A GLANCE

• Approx. 28km of standard gauge track, some of which also in meter gauge
• Two test ovals, three test tracks for the most varied test requirements
• 150m track curve for derailment tests
• Power supply for all systems, including third rail for metros, with possibility of regenerative braking; also with signalling and safety systems (electronic interlocking for ETCS, GSM-R, Indusi, audio-frequency track circuit, continuous ATC system)
• Train formation buildings and workshops
• Pressurized water-jet equipment, bogie drop and lifting devices, rotation torque station for bogies, scales, equipment for measuring electric parameters, noise, EMC etc.

Email: siemens-pcw@siemens.com