ABB is a world leading supplier of innovative electrification technologies for transportation, with a comprehensive range of solutions for rail and rail infrastructure. The company provides complete solutions that protect critical rail infrastructure, covering AC/DC electrification infrastructure, rolling stock, traction power supply systems, control and signalling units, passenger stations, and tunnels. It has a long history of providing energy-efficient and reliable technologies that help to modernise urban, intercity, and high-speed networks, as well as infrastructure and rolling stock.
The rail industry is set for rapid transformation and growth in the near future. Increasing urbanisation and the industry’s need to reduce gas emissions its reliance on diesel propulsion has prompted a change in the railway and transportation sector. Rail and urban transport systems are seen as a vital part of a sustainable net-zero future, with clean and cost-effective mass transit also having wide-ranging social benefits. The ’railways of the future’ are already beginning to develop, with hydrogen, solar power, and electrification bringing the industry closer to zero-emission trains. Digital technology also offers more precise control and efficiency for powering trains.
As well as new, world-leading technologies to help save energy, reduce emissions, and improve reliability and safety, ABB also provides extensive life-cycle service support, including retrofit and maintenance solutions.
Railway electrification for DC and AC traction power supply applications
ABB’s DC and AC traction products are designed for heavy-duty industrial applications and are extensively tested to withstand the requirements of a modern transportation systems to ensure maximum reliability. The company’s solutions include DC eHouses for traction power supply applications, medium-voltage switchgear and distribution automation for traction substations, control and protection equipment, and energy management, as well as custom solutions and service.
Power distribution, energy management, and infrastructure automation for passenger stations
Many passenger stations were constructed more than 100 years ago, meaning that it is extremely challenging to modernise them. Improving energy management, power distribution and delivery, while ensuring maximum safety, security and passenger comfort, often requires updating or working around legacy infrastructure. ABB offers a wide range of electrification solutions for stations to improve resilience and reliability while upgrading the passenger experience for the modern age.
From electrical distribution for stations, energy metering, and safety protections to building automation and HVAC systems, ABB brings together solutions that are suitable for both new builds and retrofits to modernize assets cost-effectively.
Railway signalling power protection, power management, switching, and control
Effective control and signalling systems are essential to ensuring passenger safety and smooth, efficient, and reliable train operations. ABB supports its customers in managing energy consumption, reducing failure rates, and optimising maintenance costs, with solutions for power protection, power management, and switching and control.
The company offers one of the world’s largest portfolios of electrical distribution and interface, control, safety, and signalling solutions for the railway industry. Its offerings include everything from individual components to complex custom projects.
As well as reducing the chance and impact of human errors and accidents, ABB’s solutions also provide reliable protection against unexpected events, such as lightning strikes, power surges, and short circuits. The company offers a wide range of backup and battery protection systems to reduce the effects of an incident and increase resilience across the rail network. ABB is a leading provider of safe, reliable, and energy efficient technologies for electrification and automation across rail networks.
Effective railway tunnel solutions for tough environments
ABB’s expertise and experience comes from working on some of the most complex engineering projects across the world. This allows the company to support its customers with their individual requirements and gives it a unique understanding of the challenges and solutions involved in railway tunnel environments.
When constructing tunnels, equipment can be regularly exposed to aggressive salts, break dust, soot particles, and track and wire particles. Other issues include environmental factors, including temperature variations, fog, pollution, and condensation. Railway tunnel equipment must therefore be durable and reliable to help reduce maintenance requirements.
ABB offers a range of solutions for power protection, distribution, and management to ensure maximum uptime and efficiency. The company’s digital technology products ensure that railway equipment can be safely monitored and controlled at all times.
To find out more and explore ABB’s range of specific application solutions, please visit the ABB website.
About ABB
ABB prioritises leaner and cleaner solutions. The company delivers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-efficient electrification technologies and solutions for the railway industry. ABB uses its extensive expertise, global presence, and commitment to delivering innovative energy solutions to provide the railway industry and its suppliers with efficient, productive, and sustainable products.
With a global presence and a history of more than 100 years, the company is able to support customers wherever they are in the world and provide them with fast responses and short lead times, without compromising on quality.
ABB’s engineering history began with the electrification of the Swiss railway network more than a century ago. To this day, the company remains one of the industry’s leading providers of sustainable transport solutions. Its rolling stock technologies help to increase energy efficiency and reliability while also reducing emissions for rail networks, electric buses, and other heavy vehicles.
