Light Rail Vehicles: sailing smoothly through the traffic.

Take a look at our product portfolio!

Air supply systems supply the compressed air required by the braking system and other subsystems using screw compressors 'ScrewSupply' or oil-free compressors 'PistonSupply Eco', often in conjunction with adaptive control air dryer 'DrySupply Smart'.

In light rail vehicles, the brake force is generated by compact hydraulic brake calipers 'HydroAct' and matching brake discs 'ProDisc Axle'. Electromagnetic track brakes 'MagnetAct Flex' and 'MagnetAct Rigid' allow the vehicles to operate in urban street traffic.

Knorr-Bremse’s friction portfolio features the Propad Hydraulic brake pad, which has been specially designed for light rail vehicle applications.

To achieve optimum braking, the optimal braking force must be applied to each axle and bogie. In light rail vehicles, this function is performed by electronic or hydraulic brake control systems, often in conjunction with the Modular Magnetic Track Brake Control 'MagnetControl'.

Due to their limited installation space, light rail vehicles use hydraulic braking systems instead of pneumatic ones. These comprise electro-hydraulic control modules, hydraulic brake calipers, leveling cylinders, hydraulic auxiliary release units and hydro-pneumatic suspension systems.

Sanding systems can make a significant contribution to reducing light rail vehicle braking distances. The systems comprise sand boxes, sand dosing systems, sand pipe heaters, sand level monitors and sand flow sensors.

Windscreen wiper and wash systems ensure that light rail vehicle drivers always have a clear view. Systems for light rail vehicles comprise wiper drives, arms and blades, control units, operating controls, washer water tanks, washer pumps and rain sensors.

Fast, reliable entrance systems play an exceptionally important role in public mass transit systems. Innovative door drives ensure that doors open and close quickly and efficiently, minimizing platform dwell times. Depending on operator requirements, sliding doors or sliding plug doors can be fitted in a wide variety of configurations, including all-glass, aluminum-sandwich or stainless-steel variants. Anti-trap obstacle detection systems keep passengers safer, and access aids such as sliding steps, ramps or gap bridges provide a user-friendly experience for people with limited mobility.

Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS) are the technological nerve center of modern light rail vehicles, connecting the subsystems to each other and to the central vehicle control system. They are specifically tailored to a wide range of different customer requirements and now often also incorporate powerful system diagnostics tools and smart fleet management systems. The WSP3 expansion module seamlessly integrates the wheel slide protection system with the light rail vehicle’s TCMS. The TDS Defense in Depth Threat Detection Solution detects cyberthreats in their early stages.

Whatever the outside weather, light rail vehicles must ensure comfortable on-board temperatures in both the driver’s cab and the passenger accommodation. Specially developed systems for both areas ensure that this expectation is met.

Light rail vehicles rely on a huge array of electro-mechanical and electrical control components. Contactors, disconnectors and resistors are designed to meet the individual requirements of each application scenario. The modular Smart Integrated Functional Unit (SIFU) raises the bar by integrating high voltage components with a smart monitoring and control system.

Against the backdrop of globalization and urbanization, and with a view to greater energy efficiency and safety, digitalization is adding new functionalities such as camera-based environment sensing and obstacle detection (Rail Vision) that underpin the pre-eminent role of rail transportation. And Knorr-Bremse’s digital solutions are paving the way.

Every light rail vehicle has its own unique profile and equally individual service requirements for the maintenance, overhaul and repair of its subsystems. A service package tailored to its specific requirements is thus essential.