The German national rail freight operator DB Cargo is increasing its industrial transport capacity between Germany and Austria by up to 30%. It does so while operating the same number of trains. The so-called Distributed Power System (DPS) enables the capacity gain.
DPS wirelessly connects the locomotive at the front and rear ends of a train. A single locomotive driver can control both from the leading cab, says DB Cargo. The system allows the locomotive driver to control significantly heavier freight trains, the operator adds.
DB Cargo says that it is the first European rail freight operator to use this technology. It does so in operations between Linz (Austria) and Germany for steel and tech company voestalpine. DB Cargo developed the system together with voestalpine’s subsidiary LogServ. The operator is now looking at opportunities to expand the use of DPS.
From 2,400 to 3,300 tonnes
DPS distributes tractive power across the entire length of the train. By contrast, the conventional method of placing two locomotives at the front of the train makes less effective use of their performance. DPS increases the maximum train load while reducing stress on rolling stock and materials, says DB Cargo.
“The new technology demonstrates its value particularly during Germany’s corridor renewal projects”, commented Markus Schinko, Managing Director of LogServ. “Due to the steeper gradients on diversion routes, trains without DPS can carry only around 2,400 tonnes. With DPS, more than 3,300 tonnes per train remain possible – helping us ensure reliable supplies of raw materials to our sites and the delivery of our products to customers.”
DB Cargo added that rail customers benefit from fewer train movements, improved planning reliability, and “greater capacity on a rail network that is already operating at or near its limits in some areas”.