The Cetrovo metro train is 13% lighter than conventional metro vehicles. Credit: China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).
The Cetrovo’s windows can be turned into pod screens. Credit: China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).
The operation of Cetrovo is fully autonomous. Credit: China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).

Cetrovo is a new-generation metro train designed and developed by the world’s biggest rolling stock manufacturer China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).

The lightweight metro vehicle is designed to offer improved energy efficiency and improved performance. It is sustainable, economical, and technically advanced when compared to conventional metro trains.

Cetrovo was first exhibited during the International Trade Fair for Transport Technology (InnoTrans 2018) event held in Berlin, Germany. A total of three vehicles have been built to date.

The metro vehicle completed a trial run on a test line in Qingdao in the Shandong province in June 2019. It is expected to offer its services upon completion of a set of destined trial runs.

Cetrovo metro train design and features

Cetrovo is a fully automated driverless train operated employing unmanned technology. The whole operation, including train start-up, acceleration, deceleration, stopping at stations, door opening and closing are fully automated.

An intelligence system powered by more than 1,100 sensors relays train performance and other required data to the manned data centre.

Cetrovo trains are designed in ‘2+N’ cab composition, allowing for further addition of up to ten more cabs making the total up to 12 cabs. Each cab features five doors on each side.

The train is outfitted with an intelligence anti-collision early warning system and an obstacle detection system, which bring the train to a halt in emergency conditions.

Cetrovo’s car-body, cab, equipment bay, and bogie frame are made from carbon fibre materials. The use of carbon fibre makes Cetrovo 13% lighter than conventional metro vehicles fabricated using steel and aluminium alloy.

Advanced technology used in the vehicle reduces operating and maintenance costs.

Cetrovo interior features

Interiors of Cetrovo metro are modern, comfortable, and spacious offering stable and comfortable ride due to its active suspension system.

The air-conditioning system of the train automatically regulates the temperature inside the cab without human intervention based on the weather report. The intelligent lighting system also adjusts interior brightness based on the ambient light.

“An intelligence system powered by more than 1,100 sensors relays train performance and other required data to the manned data centre.”

Design of Cetrovo is designed to allow minimum outside noise inside the carriage, while the noise level inside the train during operation is less than 69dB.

Windows can be converted into transparent OLED screens for displaying live television shows, videos, and a range of web-based services. Passengers can access the services using a touchscreen.

The train also features an adjustable console display, which is used as a back-up in the event of an emergency. Other features include self-cleaning seats and internal hearing aids system.

Cetrovo metro train propulsion and traction

The metro train’s propulsion is fed by a 1,500V DC power line through a mono-arm pantograph and variable-voltage / variable-frequency (VVVF) circuit system mounted on the roof of the vehicle. The propulsion system also comprises a 750V DC circuit connected to the on-board storage unit.

Cetrovo integrates direct-drive synchronous permanent magnet motors and energy-efficient traction system, which helps in achieving 15% more energy efficiency compared to traditional metro trains.

The wheelset of the train is controlled by an active radial system, which helps in negotiating small radius curves. A silicon carbide converter in the traction system helps increase efficiency and allows the train to achieve a maximum speed of 140km/h.

Active suspension technology helps counter the vibration in compartments by activating the dampening suspension system that dynamically adjusts the compartment.

The internal battery of the Cetrovo metro train provides power to propel the train for up to 15km in the event of a failure of the main power supply.

The vehicle can operate in harsh temperature conditions up to -40oC and at a higher elevation of 2,500m.