Special vehicles – customised control and monitoring systems

Take a look at our product portfolio!

Air supply systems supply the compressed air required by the braking system and other subsystems. Their key subsystems are screw compressors 'ScrewSupply' or oil-free compressors 'PistonSupply Eco' and often also intelligent air dryers 'DrySupply Smart'. Particularly in special vehicles, their design and performance are governed by the vehicle’s highly specific requirements.

The bogie equipment is the part of the braking system that generates the braking force. The portfolio for special vehicles includes wheel-mounted and axle-mounted brake discs , compact and conventional brake calipers 'WheelAct' and 'AxleAct' and electromagnetic track brakes 'MagnetAct Flex'.

Knorr-Bremse’s friction portfolio features Ultrapad sintered brake pads and Propad organic brake pads that have been specially developed for special vehicle applications.

To achieve optimum braking, the optimal braking force must be applied to each axle and bogie. In special vehicles, this function is performed by systems such as the flexible 'FlexControl Modular' and the Modular Magnetic Track Brake Control 'MagnetControl'.

Sanding systems can make a significant contribution to reducing braking distances. Systems for special vehicle applications comprise air supply systems, sand dosing systems, sand pipe heaters, sand level monitors, sand boxes, sand box covers and sand flow sensors.

Windscreen wiper and wash systems ensure that the driver of a special vehicle always has a clear view. The systems comprise wiper drives, arms and blades, control units, operating controls, washer water tanks, washer pumps and rain sensors.

For special vehicles, our Group brand IFE offers entrance systems that fulfil a wide variety of operator requirements, depending on the specific application or use case. The entrance systems are equipped with door drives and control systems that have proven their reliability over and over again. If required, they can be supplemented with additional access aids such as ramps or sliding steps.

Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS) are the technological nerve center of special 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 also incorporate powerful system diagnostics tools and smart fleet management systems. The WSP3 expansion module seamlessly integrates wheel slide protection functionality with the special vehicle’s TCMS. The TDS Defense in Depth Threat Detection Solution detects cyberthreats in their early stages.

Whatever the outside weather, the drivers of special vehicles require a comfortable on-board environment. Sophisticated and increasingly eco-friendly HVAC systems ensure that this expectation is met.

Special vehicles are highly reliant on a huge array of electro-mechanical and electrical control components. Contactors, disconnectors and resistors are designed to meet each vehicle’s individual requirements. The Smart Integrated Functional Unit (SIFU) raises the bar by integrating high voltage components with a smart monitoring and control system.

Coupling Systems are complex multi-purpose systems that join up high-speed trains, coupling their mechanical, pneumatic and electrical components. Out on the track, they check, manage and control tractive forces while at the same time compensating for relative movements between cars. Automatic center buffer couplers are employed in the form of front couplers on high-speed trains.

Against the backdrop of globalization and urbanization, and with a view to greater energy efficiency and safety, digitization is adding new functionalities that underpin the pre-eminent role of rail transportation. And Knorr-Bremse’s digital solutions are paving the way.

Every special 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 the customer’s specific requirements is thus nothing short of essential.