Cover Story Knorr-Bremse in Asia Project Platform screen gates ...

R a i l V e h i c l e S y s t e m s
Edition 26 | May 2010
T h e c u s t o m e r m a g a z i n e o f K n o r r - B r e m s e
R a i l V e h i c l e S y s t e m s
Cover Story
Knorr-Bremse in Asia
Project
Platform screen gates
Research & Development
Knorr-Bremse product range
Product
Accessing the Chinese market
Brake testing equipment

No. 26 | May 2010
Contents
E d i t o r i a l Domingo Mendieta COO Rail Asia Pacific 3
P r o j e c t Platform screen gates – 4
Overnight retrofit
Q u a l i t y DIN 6701 at Knorr-Bremse – 6
An everlasting bond ...
S i t e s Rail Vehicle Services to be strengthened – 8
Targeted acquisition
Aftermarket Rail Services Training – 9
Well trained
R e s e a r c h & Knorr-Bremse product range – 10
D e v e l o p m e n t Solutions for the entire train
C o v e r S t o r y Knorr-Bremse in Asia 14
P r o d u c t Accessing the Chinese market – 20
Clear view ahead with electro-pneumatic systems
Brake testing equipment – 22
Rapid, safe checking
E-NEWS-0026-EN
This publication may be subject to alteration
without prior notice. A printed copy of this
document may not be the latest revision. Please
contact your local Knorr-Bremse representative
or check our website www.knorr-bremse.com
for the latest update. The figurative mark “K” and
the trademarks KNORR and KNORR-BREMSE
are registered in the name of Knorr-Bremse
AG. Copyright 2010 © Knorr-Bremse AG - All
rights reserved. Including industrial property
rights applications. Knorr-Bremse AG retains
any power of disposal, such as for copying and
transferring.
Imprint:
Publisher:
Knorr-Bremse Systeme für
Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
May 2010
Information for Knorr-Bremse’ s worldwide customers and business partners
Central Editorial Office:
Knorr-Bremse Systeme für
Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
Marketing
Tanja Mohme
Moosacher Strasse 80
80809 München
Germany
Tel. +49 89 35470
Fax.+49 89 3547 2767
www.knorr-bremse.com
Conception, text and design by:
Knorr-Bremse Systeme für
Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
Text: Torsten Rienth
Realization: KB Media GmbH
Layout, graphics: KB Media GmbH
Printed by: Pera Druck GmbH
2

Editorial
The economic crisis has had a massive impact on the market, and Knorr-Bremse has reacted accordingly,
adjusting its capacities to the new market conditions. But that is only part of the picture: The company’s
basic strategy remains the same as before – to offer innovative products with top safety and quality
standards.
Let us take a closer look at how we are pursuing this strategy on the Asian market – where growth
remains possible, even in times of crisis. From Knorr-Bremse’s point of view it is not just our state-of-the
art technologies that make a difference – above all, it is the fact that we offer our customers completely
localized products.
To name two examples: The new braking system for the Japanese Shinkansen has been specially
developed to meet the extreme demands of emergency braking when an earthquake occurs. Even the
ventilation ribs on the brake disc have been specially modified to meet current Japanese noise emission
regulations. The brakes we will be supplying for the Chinese CRH3 train meet all the specific requirements
of China’s new high-speed rail systems.
Domingo Mendieta,
Chief Operating Officer Rail Asia Pacific
But this market is playing a prominent role in Knorr-Bremse’s strategy – a highly successful one that has
brought contracts worth more than EUR 1 billion in the last 12 months. In addition to the CRH3 contracts,
Knorr-Bremse is also supplying 1,120 passenger cars for Bombardier Sifang Transportation Ltd. CRH1 with
braking and door systems. And the company has also become involved in the CRH2 platform developed
by CSR Sifang Locomotives & Rolling Stock Co. Ltd. – Knorr-Bremse is to supply bogie equipment for some
1,920 cars.
This edition of the Informer contains a host of interesting details about the wide range of Knorr-Bremse
on-board products, the retrofitting of Singapore’s metro system with almost 2,000 Westinghouse
platform safety gates and the latest developments in windscreen wipe/wash systems. It also provides
information about the targeted acquisition of a leading, Australia-based specialist in driving simulators,
how Knorr-Bremse has developed specialized systems and maintenance training for a wide range of
vehicles, and why clueing is pushing the boundaries of train design.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
Domingo Mendieta
3

No. 26 | May 2010
Platform screen gates
Overnight
retrofit
Due to the success of the platform screen
doors in the underground stations of the
Singapore Metro,
the Singapore Land
Transport Authority decided to retrofit all
of the above-ground platforms. Westinghouse
Platform Screen Doors is tasked
with designing and supplying the platform
screen gates for use on the 36 existing
above-ground platforms on the northsouth
and east-west lines.
4

U p t i l l n o w o n l y t h e u n d e r g r o u n d m e t r o s t a t i o n s h a d b e e n f i t t e d w i t h t h i s p r o t e c t i o n s y s t e m b e t w e e n
t h e t r a c k , t r a i n a n d p l a t f o r m , b u t t h e i r s u c c e s s p r o m p t e d t h e o p e r a t o r, S i n g a p o r e Te c h n o l o g i e s
E l e c t r o n i c s , t o r e t r o f i t t h e m t o t h e 3 6 a b o v e - g r o u n d s t a t i o n s a s w e l l .
Innovative platform screen doors
in Singapore
Installations of the new doors
INSTALLATION
Stages
The Singapore platform screen gate
retrofit project is divided into four
distinct stages. Stage 1 is really a
pilot stage which was successfully
completed in December 2009. This
phase included a total of 192 doorways
installed at Pasir Ris, Yishun, and
Jurong stations and these are now
in service operation. Stages 2A, B,
and C are already well underway and
on schedule to be completed for the
customer’s deadline end of 2011.
NEW Platform
screen gate
The platform screen gates being fitted
to the Singapore Metro are of a type
recently designed and developed by
Westinghouse Platform Screen Doors.
This new gate product has been jointly
created by Westinghouse Platform
Screen Doors in the UK and in China to
address the needs of the global metro
market, with the manufacturing
of the gate system taking place at the
recently opened new Westinghouse
Platform Screen Doors production
facility based in Guangzhou, China.
PROTECTING
AND GUIDING
The Platform screen gates provide a
half height (1.5 meter) barrier between
track and train and as a result greatly
improve passenger safety whilst
making it easier for them to board
as the stopping point of the train is
always consistent; passengers are
effectively guided into the train. The
gates open automatically when the
train stops at the platform and then
close again when passengers have
safely boarded and the train doors
are closed. The use of platform screen
gates (and full height platform screen
doors) are also of great benefit to
metro operators as headways can
be maintained due to the consistent
dwell time for the train made possible
by their use. The platform screen gate
can be fitted at the new-build stage
or, in many cases, retrofitted as on the
Singapore Metro.
The world’s first ever installation of
full-height platform screen doors on
a heavy metro system was carried
out by Westinghouse Platform
Screen Doors on Singapore Metro
back in 1987. Since that time the
doors have performed superbly,
with millions of successful opening
and closing cycles carried out. They
continue today to enhance safety and
the comfort levels on the platform for
passengers (allowing the efficient and
economical use of air conditioning on
the platforms and forming a barrier
against trackside dirt and noise), just
as they were originally designed to do.
5

No. 26 | May 2010
DIN 6701 at Knorr-Bremse
An everlasting
bond…
The use of adhesives in rail vehicles is a useful alternative to conventional
joining technologies such as riveting or welding. Bonded components
are lighter, make better use of the space available, are less prone to
corrosion and are easier to repair. Knorr-
Bremse is one of the first manufacturers to be
certified to DIN standard 6701 for the use of
adhesive bonding.
Adhesive is applied to one half of a brake control panel
baseplate prior to joining
Rapidly developing technologies
make standards necessary
Rail technology is currently evolving at a rapid pace, with
new insights and developments quickly being converted
into practical solutions. In this context, the DIN 6701 quality
standard was declared to be state-of-the-art by the Federal
German Railway Authority two years ago. Since the start of
2010, companies using adhesives for building rail vehicles,
trading in products bonded with adhesives, or offering
services related to the construction, design, or repair of such
products have to be officially authorized to do so. A system
of authorization not only ensures that properly qualified
personnel is involved but also that the best method of
adhesion is used in each case – thereby upholding the
highest standards of safety. Provided these requirements
have been met, a bonded component will last just as long
as a welded one.
Towards a
global guideline
The new German DIN 6701 quality standard has already
established an excellent reputation and – given that
comparable quality standards do not exist anywhere else in
the world – is set to develop into a global guideline in the
future. Knorr-Bremse can already ensure adherence to this
standard if customers so require.
Further sites to follow
Since August of last year, Knorr-Bremse SfS GmbH has had
six of its European sites audited according to DIN 6701 by
the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing and Advanced
Materials, making it one of the first companies in the world
to do so. The standard is to be phased in at further Knorr-
Bremse sites in Europe and worldwide.
6

T h e m a i n a d v a n t a g e o f a d h e s i v e b o n d i n g i s t h e c o m b i n a t i o n o f m a t e r i a l s t h a t
c a n b e j o i n e d . T h e r e i s l e s s n e e d t o t a k e p h y s i c a l p r o p e r t i e s a n d t e m p e r a t u r e
i n t o a c c o u n t a s f a r a s t h e c o m p o n e n t s a r e c o n c e r n e d . I n t e l l i g e n t u s e o f
b o n d i n g t e c h n i q u e s m e a n s t h e m o s t s u i t a b l e m a t e r i a l s c a n b e c o m b i n e d f o r
p a r t i c u l a r o p e r a t i n g c o n d i t i o n s . T h i s n o t o n l y r e d u c e s c o s t s – i t a l s o s p e e d s u p
p r o d u c t i o n a n d u s e s l e s s e n e r g y. A n d g r e a t e r d e s i g n f l e x i b i l i t y u s u a l l y r e s u l t s
i n e n h a n c e d p a s s e n g e r c o m f o r t a s w e l l .
Auditors and Knorr-Bremse employees at the IFE plant in Brno
Adhesive applied to control panel plates prior to joining
Destruction of a bonded door sandwich construction
7

No. 26 | May 2010
Rail Vehicle Services to be strengthened
Targeted
acquisition
Knorr-Bremse has acquired the leading, Australia-based specialist in driving
simulators for rail vehicles to expand its portfolio in a sector in which increased
market opportunities are expected. The purchase of Sydac is part of a strategy
of targeted acquisitions aimed at strengthening the company’s market position
in a number of areas.
Knorr-Bremse permits a rapid integration and will continue to
provide the resources to expand Sydac operations both locally
and internationally. Sydac is well established in the driver
training simulator market, which will complement the existing
Knorr-Bremse products and expand the technological
expertise. The purchase moreover offers synergies with existing
activities and adds corporate value. Over recent years the
company has built an impressive global business and has
successfully won contracts based on its technical excellence,
close attention to the customer’s needs and competitive pricing.
There are considerable synergies between Sydac and Knorr-
Bremse and the purchase is an important step in the further
globalization of the company’s sales, with the majority of the
employees continuing to be based in Sydac’s headquarters in
Adelaide. Plans are to see Sydac develop as the market leader
in simulation.
Sydac was established in 1988 and currently employs more
than 130 people. The company has regional offices in three
Australian states and an office in Derby, UK employing 19 staff.
Rail driving training in a Reality theater
ScotRail Class 334 simulator
8

Employees of Taipei Metro receive hands-on training
Practical exercises and demonstrations form an important part of the training courses.
Rail Services Training
Well trained
The only way to ensure maximum availability of rail vehicles is to have them
serviced and maintained by properly qualified personnel. Because the situation in
this segment had changed radically in recent years, Knorr-Bremse has developed
specialized systems- and maintenance-training for a wide range of vehicles.
The example of private freight cars
illustrates the huge changes that have
taken place in the maintenance scene.
Since 2007, fleet operators have been
wholly responsible for their vehicles
and have had to make their own
maintenance and repair arrangements.
The conditions under which workshops
operate have also changed. In the
past, vehicles operated by the German
railway company Deutsche Bahn AG
were subject to DB’s own regulations;
now they have to comply with the new
maintenance guidelines issued by the
Association of Privately Owned Wagon
Operators.
At the same time, the need for training
in systems, products, and maintenance
has grown over the last ten years. This
is partly because vehicle builders now
usually sell new vehicles in conjunction
with a training package, but also
because rail market liberalization has
resulted in a partial separation of fleet
operations and vehicle maintenance.
Another factor is the increasingly close
links between pneumatic and electronic
components as well as between
braking equipment and other vehicle
systems – brake maintenance technicians
have long since started to work with
laptops as well as wrench. Modern
braking systems may be designed to
require a minimum of conventional
maintenance, but at the same time
there has been an increase in the
number of incidents caused by sources
outside the actual braking equipment
itself. Resolving these issues calls for not
only a thorough grounding in braking
technology but also a good knowledge
of the vehicle’s various systems.
The Knorr-Bremse customer training
department offers courses in both these
areas. In the case of systems- and
maintenance-training for new vehicles,
expert instructors provide a grounding
in systems and products, combined
with the necessary tools and equipment
for ongoing preventive and corrective
maintenance. In the aftermarket,
systems, maintenance, and product
training – also for considerably older
vehicles – is provided, together with
an introduction to test-bench use
and commissioning for maintenance
technicians. And by way of basic
training, a range of introductory and
advanced brake maintenance courses
for multiple units, mainline passenger
vehicles, and freight cars has also been
designed, together with specialist
courses on particular control systems.
Further information about these
courses and also individual training
provisions is available from your regional
Knorr-Bremse representative.
9

No. 26 | May 2010
Knorr-Bremse product range
Solutions
for the entire train
Safety, top quality, and maximum customer benefits are the hallmarks
of Knorr-Bremse products. In addition to classic braking systems, the
company also offers a portfolio of products for applications requiring a
combination of optimum functionality and safety. Here is an overview:
Control Components
Air Conditioning Systems
Driver Information Systems
Windscreen Wipe/
Wash Systems
Derailment Detectors
Entrance and
Detection Systems
Platform
Screen Door Systems
Electronic
Diagnostic Systems
Signaling and Traffic
Management Systems
10

DERAILMENT DETECTOR
Derailments are often caused by a single wheelset that comes off the rail but goes
unnoticed by the driver because of the strong forward momentum of the train.
When the next set of points is reached, the entire car can derail, dragging further
ones with it. And when hazardous goods are carried, the results can be disastrous.
A Knorr-Bremse derailment detector can help prevent such a scenario from
developing. The system reacts within milliseconds to the lateral acceleration forces
on the axle that are a typical sign of derailment and immediately alerts the driver.
The detector system can operate either electronically or pneumatically and is suitable
for a wide range of different vehicle types.
WINDSCREEN WIPE/
WASH SYSTEMS
Knorr-Bremse windscreen wipe/wash systems are available for the full range of
rail vehicles – streetcars, metros, locomotives, and high-speed trains. The product
portfolio includes systems for segmental, parallel, or overlapping wipe areas as
well as electronically synchronized wiper drive units. Electric, pneumatic or electropneumatic
drive systems can be supplied according to customer requirements.
ELECTRONIC
DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS
In addition to its derailment detectors, Knorr-Bremse also offers a range of further
electronic diagnostic systems that make an important contribution to improving
the safety and efficiency of entire vehicle fleets. These include wheel slip protection
and roll monitoring, wheel lock protection, overheating sensors, and drive stability
monitoring.
11

No. 26 | May 2010
DOORS
Quality and reliability combined with safety and economy are priorities for IFE
Automatic Door Systems – the specialist for internal and external doors and access
systems within the Knorr-Bremse Group. A policy of ongoing innovation means
that IFE can now offer complete automatic door systems for streetcars, light rail
systems, metros, and urban trains as well as mainline and high-speed trains all
over the world.
DETECTION SYSTEMS
The new DS5 goes further than traditional products, making it possible to detect
flexible obstacles with dimensions down to 5x30 mm or rigid obstacles with a
diameter down to 6 mm – effectively increasing the system’s sensitivity by a factor
of ten.
PLATFORM SCREEN DOOR SYSTEMS
Half-height or full-height platform screen doors make an important contribution
to safety by creating a protective barrier between embarking/disembarking
passengers and the train and track.
Each platform door system is synchronized with the train doors, effectively
channeling passenger flows, enabling the train to run to schedule and enhancing
overall operational efficiency. They also make low-cost platform climate control
possible. Display screens can easily be incorporated into the system to show the
timetable or announce the next train, and can also be used to generate advertising
revenue.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
Whatever the climate, Merak systems can be found providing air conditioning,
ventilation, or heating in high-speed and urban trains, metros, and light rail
systems, operating underground in major cities, across deserts, or in Siberian winter
conditions. HVAC systems are available with or without heat pumps as compact or
split systems for installation below the roof or under the floor. And protecting the
environment is a priority when it comes to their manufacture, maintenance, and
disposal.
12

CONTROL COMPONENTS
Among the products manufactured by Knorr-Bremse subsidiary Microelettrica
Scientifica are AC/DC contactors and isolators, resistors and electronic devices for
railway applications. The company’s portfolio includes four types of contactors and
isolators operating at up to 4kV for loads up to 2,000A per pole. Contactors and
isolators are supplied already assembled. Resistors ensure smooth, safe braking by
dissipating the vehicle’s kinetic energy electrically.
Microelettrica Scientifica’s high-voltage metering transducers are designed for
voltages between 600V DC and 25,000V AC. The high-voltage signals are precisely
converted into analogue outputs that can then be evaluated by the vehicle logic or
drive control unit or by other measuring components.
SIGNALING AND
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
The traffic management product portfolio offered by Knorr-Bremse subsidiary
Zelisko covers the entire range of optical displays based on state-of-the-art LED
technology. Computer-controlled systems ensure the safety of level crossings,
and light signals provide the locomotive driver with reliable information from
the central control room. When it comes to railway signaling, Zelisko covers the
entire product range, including optical roadside signals - half and full barrier
systems, stand-alone-systems and main signal covered systems with an
interlocking monitoring interface.
For complex traffic management systems, Zelisko offers customers turnkey
system solutions from the initial concept to project planning, installation and
start-up.
DRIVER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The LEADER system launched by Knorr-Bremse subsidiary New York Air Brake is
a revolutionary driver information system that enhances the efficiency of train
operations and considerably reduces energy consumption by recommending
optimum handling for a particular route. By helping operators analyze train driver
behavior, the special evaluation software not only improves train-handling
performance but also increases overall operational efficiency.
With its acquisition of Sydac, the Australian manufacturer of locomotive simulators,
Knorr-Bremse has further extended its proactive approach to cost savings (see
page 8).
13

No. 26 | May 2010
Knorr-Bremse in AsiaFast
track to the
future
14

China is busy building
high-speed tracks,
Japan is introducing
a new generation of
Shinkansen trains,
and Singapore is
modernizing its
local rail network.
The global economic
crisis seems to have
had little impact on
the growth of rail
transportation in
Asia.
And Knorr-Bremse
is playing an active
role in shaping the
market, thanks to its
carefully THOUGHT-
OUT Asia strategy.
15

No. 26 | May 2010
It sometimes seems as though the
rail networks in Asia cannot expand
quickly enough. In China, a highspeed
route has just opened between
Guangzhou in the south and the city of
Wuhan on the Yangtze River, and further
routes are currently at the planning
or construction stage. In Japan, train
operator JR East is introducing a new
generation of E5 Shinkansen trains in
a bid to compete with air travel. And
the “Tohoku” high-speed line between
Tokyo and Hachinohe will soon be
extended as far as Aomori, on the west
coast of the main island of Honshu.
From India to Japan, major cities are
planning new metro and light rail
systems, expanding existing ones,
or investing millions in modernizing
them. And even in the most westerly
part of Asia, things are on the move:
Turkey is planning a metro line that
will extend under the Bosphorus.
Knorr-Bremse is to supply braking
systems for the trains, which will be
built by Hyundai Rotem – a fitting
symbol of cooperation that transcends
continents.
Step by step
Knorr-Bremse established its first
contacts with Asia back in the 1970s
– in China – and, in the years that
followed, the company adopted a
consistent strategy of expansion. This
culminated in the company expanding
the product portfolio beyond its core
business with braking systems to
include automatic door systems and
air conditioning equipment. Parallel to
this, it established its various brands in
the market.
Close
contacts pay off
It is therefore no coincidence that the
2,720 new cars under development
for the Chinese CRH3 high-speed train
bear the unmistakable signature of
the Knorr-Bremse Group. Braking
systems from Munich will bring the trains
safely to a halt, IFE door systems from
Kematen in Austria will provide for
smooth access at stations, and circuit
breakers from Microelettrica Scientifica
in ltaly will ensure safe electric circuits.
Onethousand twohundred eighty of
the cars will also be fitted with HVAC
systems developed and manufactured
by Merak at its plant in Madrid, Spain.
This is not just a success story for the
various group subsidiaries involved –
the systems to be supplied to the CRH3
are worth a total of EUR 500 million,
making this the biggest single order in
more than 100 years of Knorr-Bremse’s
history.
Knorr-Bremse now has five joint
ventures in China – and the company’s
activities have begun to gather a
momentum of their own. Thanks to its
development and project management
structures in China, Knorr-Bremse
qualifies as a Chinese manufacturer,
and this has cleared the way for the
company’s participation in numerous
export projects in conjunction with
Chinese rail vehicle builders. Together
with CNR Changchun Railway Vehicle
Company, for example, it won the
tender for supplying braking systems
and platform screen doors for the new
metro in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Together
with the Dubai Metro, which opened
last year, this major project in Saudi
Arabia demonstrates the importance of
the Middle East as a growth region.
16

2009 saw further positive developments in the rail vehicle segment in
Asia. The main growth driver was China, where government economic
stimulus programs ensured continued high demand for rail vehicles.
The success of the company's strategy in China, with its own production
facilities and close cooperation with Chinese partners, was confirmed
when it received the largest order in its over 100-year history.
source: Dr. Manfred Vohla
Localization across
the entire continent
China remains Knorr-Bremse’s most important market on the asian-pacific
region. But customers in Japan (Tokyo), Korea (Seoul), and Australia (Sydney)
also have competent Knorr-Bremse partners available locally. The philosophy
underlying the company’s operations in neighboring markets is the same as
for its operations in China – ensure a high level of localization for all types of
requirement and deliver precisely the right product with the usual high Knorr-
Bremse quality standards. The metro in Mecca is a case in point: Because some of
the network runs overground, compressors had to be designed with a protection
system to withstand sandstorms of up to 50 mph.
Another example of a specific local development is the braking system for the
latest generation of Japanese Shinkansen high-speed trains. In this case the
Knorr-Bremse engineers developed a particularly lightweight version of the
axle-mounted disc brake caliper. And the discs themselves, together with the
flexible ISOBAR sintered pads, were especially developed for the extreme conditions
in the north of Honshu. Even the cooling fins were specially adapted –
not so much to improve the cooling effect as to conform to the extremely strict
Japanese noise emission requirements.
17

No. 26 | May 2010
“Consistent
regionalization
is the key to
success!”
The editors of this Informer spoke to Stephen Ku, Director Business
Development and Marketing Knorr-Bremse Asia Pacific, about Knorr-
Bremse’s plans in Asia.
Knorr-Bremse has been focusing on Asia
for decades. There must be good reason to
do so, Mr. Ku.
Stephen Ku: First of all: Knorr-Bremse
is growing all over the world. But it
is true that Asia plays an important
role in the global economy in terms
of growth. Secondly, Asia is one of the
fastest-developing railway markets,
and this is in line with the company’s
growth policy. Furthermore, Knorr-
Bremse is a global leader in its
relevant market segments, and Asia is
eager to use Knorr-Bremse technology
to enhance the safety and reliability of
its railway systems.
In what ways is the Asian market different
from the company’s core markets
Stephen Ku: The only difference I see
is the culture in each Asian country.
The market itself is not much different
from the core markets. Asia largely
follows UIC and AAR standards.
How would you describe Knorr-Bremse’s
plans in Asia
Stephen Ku: The company is always
customer-oriented as well as technology
driven, and since the Asian market
is growing so rapidly, Knorr-Bremse
plans to establish an even stronger
local presence in each country in the
region. This will enable it to serve
customer needs and maintain its
leading role in Asia.
Knorr-Bremse’s local presence in Asia
considerably increases customer benefits.
How is this reflected in day-to-day
business
Stephen Ku: Well, the obvious benefit
is the fast response and better
understanding of the customers’ needs.
And the ongoing benefits – what makes
Knorr-Bremse products so extraordinary
Stephen Ku: It is regionalization that
really makes them unique. Consistent
regionalization – or even localization –
is the key to success, both for ourselves
and our customers. Our goal is to offer
each customer the perfect product for
its specific market needs. In addition
to this, the product should represent
greater value than our competitors’
products. We are definitely on the
right track with all our efforts – and
we are getting better and better by
the day.
What are the implications of Knorr-
Bremse’s strong position for the company’s
cooperation with Asian partners
Stephen Ku: Partnership seems to be
the best way of quickly establishing
a strong foothold in the Asian
market. So far, this approach has
certainly brought satisfactory results
in terms of our market share in the
region.
18

The other Asian markets also developed positively. In India Knorr-Bremse
posted further growth in the classical market for freight and passenger
transportation vehicles. At the same time, the company also secured itself a
leading position in the emerging market for metro systems. In Japan Knorr-
Bremse was selected to supply bogie equipment for all of the power cars for
the new generation of Shinkansen trains.
19

No. 26 | May 2010
K n o r r - B r e m s e h a d a l r e a d y e q u i p p e d a h i g h - s p e e d t r a i n
d e s t i n e d f o r C h i n a w i t h w i n d s c r e e n w i p e / w a s h s y s t e m s a s
p a r t o f t h e C R H 3 p r o j e c t , b u t t h e l a t e s t c o n t r a c t f r o m t h i s
r a p i d l y e x p a n d i n g e c o n o m i c g i a n t b r o k e n e w g r o u n d . F o r t h e
f i r s t t i m e e v e r, a d o m e s t i c C h i n e s e v e h i c l e b u i l d e r o r d e r e d
a s i m i l a r l y r o b u s t a n d r e l i a b l e w i p e / w a s h s y s t e m – g i v i n g
K n o r r - B r e m s e d i r e c t a c c e s s t o t h e C h i n e s e m a r k e t . T h e k e y
t o K n o r r - B r e m s e ’s s u c c e s s i n s e c u r i n g t h e c o n t r a c t w a s n o t
j u s t t h e c o m p a n y ’s t e c h n o l o g i c a l c o m p e t e n c e a n d e x p e r i e n c e
b u t a l s o t h e e x c e l l e n t c o l l a b o r a t i o n b e t w e e n K n o r r - B r e m s e
A u s t r i a a n d K n o r r - B r e m s e S u z h o u .
20

Accessing the Chinese market
Clear view ahead
with electropneumatic
systems
The demands made on windscreen wipe/wash systems are extreme –
particularly on high-speed trains. So it is not surprising that Chinese
vehicle builders Bombardier Sifang Transportation Ltd. have put their faith
in Knorr-Bremse quality and selected the Pneumatic High-end
System manufactured by Knorr-Bremse Austria for their 80 CRH1
380 high-speed trains.
Steel section tube
reduces costs
The system developed for Bombardier Sifang Transportation
Ltd. is based on the same technological platform as the
CRH3 – with the difference that the system for the CRH1
380 has a new type of wiper arm made not of the usual
carbon-fiber reinforced composite material but rather of
steel section tubing. As well as offering the usual reliability
of the Pneumatic High-end System wiper, the new wiper
arm material brings a price advantage: Steel is cheaper
than composite material, and the arm can also be bent to
fit various parameters such as wiping angle and
windscreen geometry, enabling Knorr-Bremse to offer a
wide range of solutions for virtually all types of vehicle.
This success story is all the more striking because the decision
by Bombardier Sifang Transportation Ltd. to grant the
contract to Knorr-Bremse represents a fundamental
paradigm change for the vehicle manufacturer. In the past
it used only electric wash/wipe systems for its projects, and
the cost of an electro-pneumatic system like the Pneumatic
High-end System also differs considerably from conventional
electric wipe/wash systems on account of the
technology involved, the functions, components, and
performance data. Another deciding factor was Knorr-
Bremse’s more than 15-year track record of supplying the
high-speed segment, combined with its experience with
spheroidal curved windscreens – a particular challenge for
wipe/wash systems. This, combined with reliability and
performance, was what tipped the balance in favor of the
Knorr-Bremse system.
In addition to the CRH1 380, the system with the new
design of wiper arm is also to be installed in high-speed
trains built by another Chinese manufacturer. By the end
of the first quarter of 2010 the first field tests were due to
be carried out on a prototype train.
21

4
4
4
4
4
HL P
HL P
No. 26 | May 2010
Brake testing equipment
Rapid,
safe checking
The use of static brake testing can considerably speed up marshaling
processes, as it enables brake functionality to be checked on entire
trainsets. Knorr-Bremse has incorporated tried-and-tested pneumatic
systems into its brake testing equipment – a highly successful strategy, as
the company is now set to supply marshaling yards all over Germany.
P (bar)
5,0
4,2
admissible
leakage
0
pressure in
brake pipe
train is filled with
air automatically
leakage
test
automatic
re-filling
apply
brakes
release
brakes
brake test
finished
time
uncouple the
train from unit
visual check
all brakes
applied
visual check
all brakes
released
permanent
air supply
connection
to loco
command
"start"
confirmation
"airthight" or
"to leak"
command
"apply
brakes"
command
"release
brakes"
command
"brake test
finished"
disconnect train from brake test unit
A question
of economy
The main explanation for why such equipment is not more
widely used is the structure of railway companies. Brake
testing equipment is classified as part of the rail
infrastructure, but in many cases it is employees of the
freight fleet operators who are responsible for actual testing.
This makes little economic sense, as operators often end up
using a locomotive to supply compressed air to the braking
system for testing. Such a locomotive can cost some EUR 3
million, and during brake testing – which can last for up to
an hour – it is not earning any money. By contrast, static
brake testing equipment can be purchased for about a tenth
of the price, freeing up the locomotive for its proper purpose.
Knorr-Bremse expertise
in main components
Knorr-Bremse brake testing equipment consists of two main
elements – the pneumatic system and the wireless electrical
22

A n e w l y f o r m e d t r a i n s e t i s o n l y p e r m i t t e d
t o g o i n t o o p e r a t i o n o n c e a c o m p r e h e n s i v e
b r a k e t e s t h a s d e m o n s t r a t e d t h a t t h e
b r a k i n g s y s t e m i s f u l l y f u n c t i o n a l a n d
s u f f i c i e n t f o r t h e p l a n n e d r o u t e a n d s p e e d
– a t a s k t h a t c a n b e c a r r i e d o u t b y s t a t i c
b r a k e t e s t i n g e q u i p m e n t .
control unit, which enables the technician responsible for
the brake testing to transmit commands to the equipment
without having to return to it each time.
As the units are usually located in the open air, the
demands made on the pneumatic system are such that no
existing industrial components can be used – which is where
Knorr-Bremse’s expertise as a brake specialist comes in. The
pneumatic system consists entirely of components derived
from the company’s brake control technology. The situation
is rather simpler when it comes to the control unit – all
that is required to ensure continuous functionality is an
additional heating element.
Robust GPRS units
In the case of the wireless remote control system, Knorr-
Bremse opted for robust GPRS units that operate over existing
networks but are equipped with special additional software.
The brake testing equipment itself contains a GPRS modem
that transfers the technician’s commands to the control unit.
23

R a i l V e h i c l e S y s t e m s
Quality that
convinces.
All over the world, Knorr-Bremse products are used to move people and goods safely. In all types of rail
vehicles, carrying passengers and freight – and on platforms. That is why quality is so important for us. Our
Quality First Initiative helps us create products that will function reliably throughout a long working life.
Our goal of Zero Defects starts with the initial development stage and culminates in carefully designed
manufacturing processes with regular quality control procedures. That way, everyone stays on the right
track – our customers and our customers’ customers. | www.knorr-bremse.com |