The role of rail is crucial if the transportation sector wants to achieve its climate goals. Rail is one of the most energy-efficient transport modes, responsible for nine per cent of global motorised passenger movement and seven per cent of freight shipping—though only three per cent of energy consumption, according to the International Energy Agency (IEL). It uses eighty per cent less energy than trucks per ton of freight. Also, the percentage of passengers and goods worldwide is not even in the double-digit range. Illustrating that there’s still much potential for shifting more transportation capacity to rail.
For this to happen, the reliability and capacity of trains as a means of transportation, must be enhanced and aid in building a sustainable transportation sector. Schaeffler, one of the world’s leading automotive and industrial suppliers, has been working tirelessly to provide innovative solutions and services to help make rail transportation even more sustainable, reliable and predictable.
Schaeffler has developed a wired system for the predictive condition monitoring of complete motor and/or trailer bogies, in passenger trains called the Schaeffler Railway Condition Monitoring System (RCMS). Sensors integrated into the rail vehicle measure acceleration, speed and temperature. The data is stored in an onboard server where the data is also analysed and processed directly in the vehicle using process modules and specialised software.
The analysis of vibration signals provides very early indications of unusual mechanical loads. Allowing operators and maintenance personnel to monitor the condition of individual axle box bearings, complete axle boxes and bogies, from anywhere in the world via a secure internet connection and schedule maintenance before the slightest functional impairment has occurred.
Digitalisation doesn’t just stop there, as Schaeffler recognises the tremendous benefits it can present for maintenance planning in rail transport. Schaeffler’s Data matrix code combined with the GS1 EPCIS interface enables end-to-end information between the component supplier, vehicle manufacturer (OEM) and railroad operator.
The DMC provides bearing components with a unique digital laser marking, meaning the manufacturing, assembly and maintenance data are stored in the linked database.The GSP1 EPCIS interface enables electric data exchange between Schaeffler, the vehicle manufacturer and the railroad operator for planning and optimising predictive maintenance and service intervals.
Lack of reliability is one of the biggest concerns when shifting haulage traffic to the rail sector. The new, improved Y25 housing, including WJ/WJP cylindrical roller bearings, comes in a digitised interactive freight wheelset. Schaeffler can enhance energy efficiency in cargo hauling and, thanks to lower weight, increase payload. The optimised product design of the new housing allows for numerous benefits for the operators, such as longer maintenance intervals, a reduction in CO2 emissions in freight haulage and an increase in the durability of the bearing.
Schaeffler is not only improving its existing products, but also offering a reconditioning service, complete with a hundred per cent return service, ensuring sustainable maintenance scheduling.
When using the hundred per cent return service, customers receive a fully functional reconditioned, or new bearing, in return for any wheelset bearing, irrespective of its condition. Schaeffler includes this in its professional reconditioning process as part of maintenance. With a key goal of sparing resource use, optimising the service life of components and maximising train mileage, Schaeffler’s products and service concepts will accelerate rail improvement. Leading to having more people travel by train and more freight transported would lead to reduced CO2 emissions, helping to meet the climate goals and build the world of tomorrow.