Lamifil has introduced PowerFil, ThermoFil and CuMg UHC innovative alloys for catenary wires to allow railway operators to remain adaptive, reducing energy losses and their ecological footprint while enhancing system reliability.
In order to meet the changing needs and expectations of passengers, governments and commercial entities, rail operators need to keep abreast of new technological developments. As catenary wires are the cornerstone of any catenary system, they contribute significantly to the long-term reliability and sustainability of modern railway grids.
The latest catenary wire innovations offer exceptional mechanical and electrical properties, thanks to superior new alloys and modern production methods. They enable operators to run more trains at a lower cost, to future-proof their rail systems, boost network conductivity and lower their CO2 footprint.
Lamifil is continuously improving the performance and cost-effectiveness of its products by developing innovative new alloys. It is proud to introduce some of its latest innovations including the leading-edge PowerFil, the all-new ThermoFil and CuMg UHC alloy. Lamifil showcased these for the first time at the Innotrans 2018 trade fair in Berlin, Germany.
PowerFil is a brand-new, unique alloy offering significantly superior properties compared to conventional CuMg. With 23% more conductivity compared to CuMg 0.5, it is the top alternative for a Cd-free world.
Minimising energy loss, PowerFil allows operators to save up to €12,000/km during the lifetime of a messenger wire. This highly efficient ‘green’ alloy offers approximately 23% better resistance than standard CuMg 0.5 alloys. PowerFil offers less resistance and heat losses, allowing more trains to run on the same track.
Composed of a unique and innovative alloy, ThermoFil offers a high-performance, cost-effective and sustainable solution. It can be used as a contact or messenger wire for conventional railway lines.
Thermofil offers excellent conductivity, comparable to Cu or CuAg. Featuring high thermal resistance and low creep characteristics, ThermoFil reduces the probability of system interruptions. Requiring low maintenance during operation, this new wire increases a railway system’s lifecycle, while lowering the overall CO2 footprint.
Lamifil’s CuMg UHC alloy delivers 10% to 16% higher conductivity compared to the EN50149 standard, while maintaining the required tensile strengths. Our (ASTM compliant) UHC contact wires with 85% conductivity have already been successfully implemented in Canada and Asia.
Up to 6.5% savings in copper weight are possible, while maintaining high conductivity. Allowing longer substation intervals or reducing voltage drops, CuMg UHC significantly reduces overall costs. Using the UHC alloy, operators can increase train frequency by up to 15%.