Fraunhofer IWU
Cutting Weight and revolutionising rail: Fraunhofer’s lightweight Rail Roof Design
Modern light rail vehicles and trams continually evolve in complexity and weight due to new drive technologies, systems and functions. Savings without compromising on quality are required to compensate for the additional weight. The Fraunhofer IWU has developed a new type of lightweight construction for rail vehicle roofs together with industrial partners. Thanks to a load optimised fibre-plastic composite construction with integrated air conditioning channels and special fixing elements, the weight was reduced by 50%.
The high load-bearing capacity was demonstrated on a structural test bench. The project has shown that highly integrative components enable considerable cost savings in the value chain, such as a reduction in assembly costs of up to 30% and a sustainable reduction in resource requirements thanks to an adapted resin infusion process.
Why is it important?
Lighter trams use less energy, making them more eco-friendly and cost-efficient to operate. Passengers benefit from smoother rides and potentially lower fares. The design also reduces wear on tracks, resulting in fewer service disruptions. By integrating features like air conditioning directly into the roof, manufacturing becomes more efficient and sustainable, promoting greener public transportation systems for the future.
Keep informed on the updates coming from ELCA by visiting LinkedIn.
