RAIL TRACTION
BY ROBERTA PRANDI
The new electronic module Power
Automation Unit (PAU) is part of
Powerline, a modularly built au-
tomation system for rail applications
by MTU Friedrichshafen.
Powering Rail Lines
Powerline is a new control and monitoring system for rail applications that
MTU Friedrichshafen introduced in
2009 for the new rail version of the 4000
R43 engine. The system was first presented in a G1700-BB locomotive by Vossloh.
Martin Gohlke, MTU’s head of Auto-
mation said, “So far, a great deal of the
developments in automation systems
have been dedicated to the marine mar-
ket. For the future, we want to extend
these features to other industries, such as
rail, oil and gas, and mining. Powerline
represents one step in this direction.”
Powerline is a modularly built auto-
mation system, consisting of the new
power automation unit (PAU) module,
the engine control ADEC and the starter
electronics power output module (POM).
The system carries out the monitoring,
control and management functions. The
PAU module encompasses many func-
tions in a single unit and acts as the cen-
tral connection point between engine,
peripherals and locomotive control.
RAIL
PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGIES AND ACTIVITIES NEWS
High-Speed Rail in the United States
GE and China’s Ministry of Railways (MOR) have signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) to advance high-speed rail in the United States, putting
GE Transportation in the running to compete for high-speed rail projects. This
move is expected to accelerate GE’s passenger rail technologies and create 150
high-technology jobs in the United States.
contract with Shanghai Rail Transit Line
12 Development Co. Ltd., a subsidiary
of Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co.
The contract comprises the supply of
246 Bombardier MOVIA metro cars ( 41
six-car trains), including spare parts
and training for the operator’s staff.
Siemens to Supply
Trains for 2014 Olympics
Siemens has received an order from
Russian Railways (RZD) to supply a
total of 54 regional trains for the 2014
Winter Olympic Games in Sochi,
Russia. Rail links are planned to carry
athletes and spectators to and from the
airport, the Olympia Park and the various sports venues.
Bombardier to Supply
Metro Cars in China
GE Transportation
Receives Order in Brazil
