European companies are working together to make rail freight transport more efficient and cost-effective. They are combining Schaeffler’s axlebox generator with a battery system and an automatic tarpaulin system. This collaboration marks a significant step towards automated and digitalized freight transport.
Automation is becoming more important in freight transport. It helps with tasks like automatically coupling wagons and speeding up loading and unloading by using automated door and roof systems. This reduces the time trains spend loading or waiting. Frank Steinmetz, Business Development Manager Rail at Schaeffler, said, “Without an affordable and reliable power supply, new innovations in freight transport cannot succeed. Our axlebox generator plays a key role in advancing automation solutions for rail freight.”
Autonomous and Wear-Free Power Generation
Freight wagons often do not have their own electrical power supply. Instead of relying on power from the locomotive or batteries, Schaeffler offers a self-sufficient energy supply through its axlebox generator. These generators are designed to fit standard European bogie and axle setups used in freight transport.
There are two power options available: a low-power version that provides up to 50 watts and a high-power version that delivers 100 watts or more. The high-power generator can supply energy for automation systems such as automatically opening and closing doors and roofs.
The generator is built into the axlebox bearing housing and can be added to existing wagons easily. Its permanent magnet rotor attaches to the front of the wheelset shaft, while the wear-free stator is integrated into the housing cover.
Collaborative Project for Efficient Freight Transport
French company Innovaction Technologies, which makes automatic tarpaulin systems, has developed an electric foldable tarpaulin roof for freight wagons. The battery powering this roof is supplied by Slovenian company Realtronik and is charged by the Schaeffler axlebox generator. Currently, the stored energy allows about 50 open and close cycles without the wagon needing to move.
Ermewa, Europe’s leading freight railcar leasing company with over 50,000 wagons, plans to use the axlebox generator’s power supply not only for the tarpaulin system but also for sensors that monitor available cargo space. This sensor system is a key first step toward automated loading.
Visitors can see live demonstrations of this system at the “transport logistic” trade fair in Munich. The presentations will take place at Ermewa’s outdoor booth FM704A/3 from Monday to Wednesday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and on Thursday at 11 a.m.
