DLR at InnoTrans 2024

"The rail sector is facing major challenges. In Germany, passenger numbers are set to double and freight traffic is set to increase by 70 percent. At the same time, the infrastructure needs to be modernised and digitalisation accelerated. DLR is supporting industry, politics and society in tackling this change, quickly putting innovation into practice and making rail transport future-proof and geared towards people's needs," says Meike Jipp, DLR Divisional Board Member for Energy and Transport.

With its rail transport research, DLR is the largest publicly funded transport research organisation in Europe. As a founding member of the Horizon Europe EU-Rail partnership, DLR works together with European railway operators and industry to further develop the railway system. A total of 13 DLR institutes contribute to this research, offering expertise and unique test facilities.

NGT-TAXI – a high-tech railbus and opportunity for disused lines

DLR is developing the NGT-TAXI, a concept for a small, lightweight, efficient and modular rail vehicle. It is intended to be automated and primarily used on branch lines, with battery or fuel cell propulsion. In the future, it could provide better connections to rural areas. ‘NGT’ stands for Next Generation Train, and DLR uses this term to summarise its concepts and technologies for the rail transport of tomorrow. The NGT family already includes designs for the high-speed trains, feeder services and freight transport. DLR’s expertise spans alternative drive systems, lightweight construction, sustainable materials, chassis technology, air conditioning, automation and control systems, all of which have been well incorporated into the concept. The NGT-TAXI not only includes the vehicle, i.e. the train itself, but also an innovative operating concept and the control and safety system infrastructure.

NGT-TAXI's modular design and drive concept can be flexibly adapted to suit different circumstances. The shortest version measures just under ten metres long with 12 seats, while the longest measures 17.5 metres and has 54 seats. This is made possible thanks to car modules that can be combined, meaning larger quantities can be produced more cost-effectively. Being modular, cost-effective vehicles can also be built for branch lines and its operational concept enables NGT-TAXI to run at regular intervals or as an on-demand service, depending on passenger volume. At InnoTrans, DLR will showcase 1:16 scale models of the NGT-TAXI concept and explain its operational features in several presentations.

Innovative carriage structure for alternative drive systems

At InnoTrans, DLR will also present a model for a carriage body segment, optimised for alternative drive/propulsion systems. A side panel that is particularly lightweight thanks to geometric adjustments and multi-material construction, will also be on display. The structure combines aluminium extrusions and sandwich components are combined for this purpose. This approach is intended to improve the cost-effectiveness of alternative drive trains, making the railway sector even more sustainable. In addition to a full scale model, display monitors will illustrate the underlying design principles, manufacturing processes and testing procedures.

Hybrid power pack for trains with alternative drive systems

When it comes to sustainable and efficient drive systems for rail transport, DLR is a much sought-after partner in industry and research. At InnoTrans 2024, it is showcasing a standardised and modular propulsion and energy architecture – the so-called Fuel Cell and Hybrid Power Pack (FCHPP). The FCHPP combines a battery and fuel cell system and has a modular design, making it easier to replace components and thus increase its service life and sustainability. DLR is investigating how this approach works in practice with international industry partners in a demonstration train which is being tested in research operations in Spain as part of the FCH2Rail project.

Digitalisation of rail operations, condition monitoring and certification

Digitalisation plays a central role in the future of rail transport. The DLR stand at InnoTrans 2024 will demonstrate its research into condition monitoring during operations, using new sensor concepts and artificial intelligence, among other things. AI-based diagnostic procedures can also help reduce malfunctions and minimise maintenance needs. DLR is also working on test procedures and facilities for a faster and more cost-effective certification of innovative signalling and automation technologies for the European Train Control System (ETCS).

DLR will also display radio modules for the autonomous coupling of individual wagons and entire trains. These modules enable secure, fast communication and distance measurement between wagons. Autonomous coupling is also an important step towards greater flexibility and efficiency in rail transport, as trains are often still  coupled manually by shunting staff.

The energy consumption of trains is largely influenced by aerodynamic resistance. DLR has developed a generic, universally transferable train model to specifically study the aerodynamic effects of strong crosswinds and aerodynamic drag. This allows for the analysis on a computer, of for example, the aerodynamics of regional trains, which can then be compared with values measured in tests. Since regional trains account for a large proportion of rail traffic, optimising their aerodynamics offers considerable potential for energy and emissions savings. In the future, this model could also support the virtual certification of rail vehicle aerodynamics.

With people at heart – making rail transport more attractive and increasing user adoption

At InnoTrans, DLR will also be presenting its extensive research into making rail transport simpler, more efficient and therefore more attractive to passengers. Digital and data-driven tools and solutions play an important role in this effort. A key focus is on improving the railway station as the 'transport hub of the future'. As the gateway to the rail system for travellers, the train station's functionality, comfort and safety significantly impact users' perception and satisfaction. The exhibit 'Personalised Passenger Information' [YT1] demonstrates how personalised information could be provided to travellers. Using augmented reality (AR), this information is displayed on a smartphone when pointed at the conventional departure board, showing details like the planned order of transport and details that facilitate boarding, transfers and disembarking.

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