Mass Transit - 40

POWER SUPPLY
Thon explains that this increase in interest is pushing many transit operators
in the U.S. to update and expand their
existing electrified networks.
"Unfortunately, some older long-distance rail infrastructure in America
remains unelectrified, and there are
important challenges associated with
integrating or migrating those to any

type of electrification solutions. However, it does not impede electrification
from being a good option for the future
of efficient rail operations," said Thon.
He notes that the biggest trend the
company is seeing is a real willingness
to take advantage of the full benefits of
new digitalized technologies because of
how it informs and optimizes overall op-

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Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | APRIL/MAY 2019

erations and maintenance.
"Through real-time transparency of information, operators can now bring down
the energy supply in all areas, even identifying the optimal point in time for trains
to accelerate based on the energy demand
of the complete network. This information also helps to avoid power peaks and
improves overall cost and energy efficiency," explained Thon. "Of course, with
new digitalization capabilities comes a
keen interest in better understanding
and addressing safety issues and cyber
security for rail power."
For Thon and Siemens Mobility,
providing more flexible, modular
solutions work best due to the unique
needs of each customer.
"For example, we provide a plugand-play compact prefabricated DC
traction power substation with all
necessary equipment integrated. This
solution takes up a smaller space in its
container and is easy to move so it can
be placed at different locations with less
installation effort," said Thon. "These
can then be supplemented with IoT
connectivity, predictive maintenance
and digital monitoring. For example,
for monitoring or predictive maintenance, the full transparency on the performance of traction power networks
enables peak loads to be predicted and
avoided. This enables train timetables
to be optimized by energy demand and
consumption, which ultimately reduces
energy consumption."
He notes that Siemens Mobility's
Sitras Sidytrac RT solution will be
able to save customers up to 15 percent in energy consumption.
"For maintenance, the analysis
of data from the network further
speeds up action to needed areas. For
instance, operators can now more
precisely locate defective sections in
the third rail and quickly send maintenance crews, minimizing downtime,"
said Thon. "This modular availability
is also being used more for protection
devices. Our Sitras MDC protection
and control unit is available in modules, so customers can use only what is
really needed and simplify servicing."
Siemens Mobility also addresses
cybersecurity by offering a comprehensive concept for IT security that

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