Bombardier Strengthens Cooperation with the Technical University of Dresden
Joint research with scientists boosts rail transport innovation
January 29, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation and the Technical University of Dresden, in Germany, have extended their successful cooperation in the field of railway research for another five years.
Several successful research projects were conducted during the first five years of cooperation from 2007 to 2012, including a video monitoring system for the number and density of passengers in driverless rail vehicles. The technology will enable the remote monitoring of conditions on driverless transit systems to adjust vehicle speed accordingly for increased efficiency, availability and safety.
Developing new methods to calculate the structural dynamics of trams and light rail vehicles formed another part of the collaboration. In support of the project, a tram equipped with measuring technology recorded real time data about forces on the vehicle during daily operations.
The joint programme also contributed to the development of the BOMBARDIER TRAXX multi-engine locomotive. The new locomotive has proven to be a game changer in the European railway market, contributing to Bombardier signing a nine-year frame contract with DB Regio AG for 200 TRAXX locomotives in April 2011. The novel concept, which fulfils the latest emission norms, is based on four diesel-electric engine-generator sets replacing the typical large unit. The concept also allows the implementation of an intelligent engine control system, allowing each engine to be operated independently to maximise fuel efficiency. Low lifecycle and maintenance costs are further advantages for the operator. Bombardier recognised the product concept as its top technology solution of the year at the Bombardier Transportation Innovation Awards 2011.
Four completed doctorates at the Technical University of Dresden, numerous academic publications and student theses highlight the cooperation’s academic value. Over the next five years, the two organisations will intensify their work on rail vehicles’ dynamics, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.
Professor Beitelschmidt of the Technical University of Dresden said: “I value the cooperation with Bombardier very much. As a trusted partner, the company supports long-term research projects in my department. The numerous completed and future studies offer students a valuable insight into a future-oriented high-tech industry. Research assistants can advance to become rail industry experts.”
Michael Clausecker, Chairman of the Management Board, Bombardier Transportation Germany, added: “Innovation is an integral part of Bombardier’s DNA. Our long-standing collaboration with the Technical University of Dresden offers an ideal exchange of expertise between science and industry. The cooperation in Dresden is an example of how Bombardier takes its role as a responsible corporate citizen seriously. It provides exciting career opportunities to young, highly qualified employees. In turn, the university will continue to have access to our rail engineering expertise to develop scientists’ knowledge and skills.”
Partnerships with academia like the Technical University of Dresden form an integral part of Bombardier’s dialogue with stakeholders. The joint research addresses sustainability challenges in the rail industry and contributes to the company’s growth strategies globally.
About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation, a global leader in rail technology, offers the broadest portfolio in the rail industry and delivers innovative products and services that set new standards in sustainable mobility. BOMBARDIER ECO4 technologies – built on the four cornerstones of energy, efficiency, economy and ecology – conserve energy, protect the environment and help to improve total train performance for operators and passengers. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has a very diverse customer base with products or services in more than 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide.
About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.
Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, we posted revenues of $18.3 billion USD. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Follow Bombardier Transportation on Twitter @BombardierRail.
Pictures: TRAXX multi-engine locomotive; measurement tram in operation in Dresden
Videos: TRAXX Diesel Multi-Engine; TRAXX at InnoTrans 2012
BOMBARDIER, TRAXX and ECO4 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
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