Railway technology

From the idea to serial production

In addition to the manufacture and sales of railway resistors, contactors, disconnectors, switches, fuses and filters, our strength lies in our development of technical solutions and new products. We hereby accompany our partners from the initial idea to serial production. Of course we pay particular attention to application-related standards and regulations, such as the compliance with material provisions, designing for special vibration stresses and impact loads or the fulfilment of fire protection regulations, as they are required in railway applications.

We provide the following services among others:

  • Concept development
  • Design and construction in accordance with appropriate railway standards
  • Definition of type tests and their test categories
  • Implementation of type tests
  • Production of prototypes
  • Serial production
  • Creating operating instructions and maintenance manuals
  • Maintenance and repair

Semiconductor contactors type ACS and DCS

Development of an electronic contactor (750 – 3000V / 25 – 42A)

High switching cycles under demanding conditions are required in railway applications. A large proportion of the implemented contactors are mechanically built, whereby costs for mandatory maintenance are entailed.

Widap AG has developed a wear-free and maintenance-free solid state contactor for DC or AC power, which can withstand the conditions associated with railway operation, has complied with and passed the demanding type tests for railway applications and can achieve significant cost savings by eliminating maintenance works.

CAD model

Halbleiterschütz ACS oder DCS für die Bahntechnik

Photo

Halbleiterschütz ACS oder DCS für die Bahntechnik

Brake resistor ECR 250 for a high speed train

In collaboration with our well-known partners, we have developed a brake resistor for a high-speed train. The brake resistor has a rated power of 550 kW and is equipped with a forced cooling system. On each train, 4 brake resistors are used.

CAD model

Bremswiderstand ECR 250 Bahntechnik Widap AG

Photo

Bremswiderstand ECR 250 Foto Bahntechnik Widap AG
Bremswiderstand ECR 250 on SMILE Bahntechnik Widap AG

Disconnector

Development of a bipolar disconnector for 10kV in the traction area

The customer approached Widap AG directly for this project as there was no such specific disconnector available on the market.

One of the many challenges involved in this project was taking into account the space limitation provided by the customer and complying with the insulation coordination according to railway standards. Moreover, a long service life had to be achieved in difficult ambient conditions.

In close collaboration with the customer, we were able to proceed through all the stages from concept creation to serial production within a few months. These included, inter alia, the design of the switch in accordance with appropriate railway standards,  production of a prototype, definition and implementation of type tests as well as creation of the technical documentation.

CAD model

Trenner CAD-Modell Bahntechnik Widap AG

Photo

Trenner Foto Bahntechnik Widap AG

Capacitor box

Development of a capacitor box as a boost converter and as filter capacity

The aim of this project was to fulfil the electrical and mechanical requirements and therefore to achieve this with as low weight as possible, as well as with high durability and weather resistance.

Widap AG overcame these challenges by developing a capacitor box in collaboration with their partners. This capacitor box consists of a light sheet metal construction and features sealed electrical connections.

CAD model

Kondensatorbox CAD-Modell Bahntechnik Widap AG