Europe is showcasing how rail freight can become more efficient and economical – by combining Schaeffler axle box generators, battery systems, and automatic tarpaulin systems, marking a real step towards automated and digitalized freight transport. Automated processes are growing in importance in cargo transportation. For example, digital automatic coupling of freight cars or accelerating loading and unloading via automatic opening and closing systems can reduce train loading and downtime.
Freight cars usually lack a power supply. As an alternative to being powered by locomotives or batteries, Schaeffler provides a self - sufficient energy supply through axle box generators. Designed for standardized European bogie configurations and axles in freight transport, Schaeffler axle box generators come in two power ranges: a low - power version up to 50 watts and a high - power version over 100 watts. In the high - power version, the generator supplies energy for automation systems, such as automatically opening and closing doors and roofs. The generator integrated into the axle box bearing housing can also be retrofitted, making it easy to use in existing fleets. A permanent magnet rotor is mounted on the front side of the wheel set axle, and a wear - free stator is integrated into the housing cover.
For efficient rail freight, the French company Innovaction Technologies, a manufacturer of automatic tarpaulin systems, has developed an electric, foldable tarpaulin roof for freight cars. The battery, supplied by the Slovenian company Realtronik, is powered by the Schaeffler axle box generator. In the current version, the stored energy is sufficient for approximately 50 opening and closing processes without moving the freight car, promoting the upgrade of freight transport efficiency.
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