Rittal helps to break rail speed record

The German Railways (DB) high-speed line between Ingolstadt and Nuremberg experienced a very special baptism of fire on 2 September. Siemens and Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) sped off in search of a record with the Rh1216 050-5 multi-system locomotive that incorporates Rittal components. The previous top speed of 331km/h (206mph) had been set by the French state railway SNCF in 1955. In less than an hour, the Siemens Eurosprinter smashed the 51-year old record, first at 344km/h (214mph) and then at 357km/h (222mph).

Rittal's components, in particular, were subjected to intense demands. Alongside mechanic stability when faced with shaking and vibration, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) helped to tip the scales in favour of Rittal products.

"The railway operators and railway vehicle manufacturers place very high demands on the quality of the assemblies and components installed", explains Hermann Becker, key account manager of Rittal's Rail Traffic Systems and monitor of Rittal's record attempt project. "Nowadays, electrically powered locomotives' control technology contains a huge number of electronic and electromechanical components, which have to be safely accommodated in enclosures and on frameworks throughout the locomotive's entire service life. Special products are used that are adapted to the dynamic requirements."

For Rittal, the rail systems sector is growing in importance. In a great variety of very different projects, whether stationary or mobile, Rittal's high quality standards and very specific expertise have impressed customers worldwide. Rittal is a sought-after partner in the rail vehicle sector - from trams to high-speed trains.

The record-breaking locomotive also incorporated the Rittal auxiliary framework, the Rittal electronic enclosure and the Rittal 3kV frame. The Rittal auxiliary framework consists of a PS 4000 enclosure system with 16 mounting plates and two large swing frames. A special Rittal PS 4000 with EMC equipment forms the backbone of the electronic enclosure. The electronic enclosure is specially protected against high-frequency radiation and has more than three 482.6mm (19") levels, lying one behind the other. The components for the distribution of 3000V DC are accommodated in the 3kV racks. All the components have been specially designed for the dynamic requirements of mobile installation on the train.