Cologne, Germany

Delivery: 2002-2003

The light rail network operated by the Cologne Transit Authority (Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe AG, KVB) has a route network more than 285 km long, making it one of the longest light rail networks in Germany. Within the scope of a project for the expansion and renewal of the rolling stock, Kiepe is supplying the electrical equipment for 59 high-floor light rail vehicles, class K5000, that were developed in close co-operation with Bombardier. An option for a further 87 extra vehicles is part of the contract.

The new high-floor vehicles are in service on the north-south routes in Cologne and on the city link to Bonn since spring 2002. The vehicle concept of the K5000 is a result of continued development of the proven low-floor light rail vehicle, the K4000. The use of many similar components already used in the K4000 means that spare parts stocking, maintenance and staff training is greatly simplified.

The new vehicles offer an optimum in comfort and safety for the passengers and the operators. Air-cooling and heating units for the passenger compartment provide a pleasant climate in the interior of the vehicle. The drivers´cabs are air-conditioned and meet the requirements of the German professional association. The passengers´safety is enhanced by means of four mini cameras that are fitted in the ceiling and continuously monitor the passenger compartment.

Kiepe is the supplier of various key systems and thus responsible for the design, supply and commissioning of the electrical equipment of these modern high-floor light rail vehicles. Kiepe´s scope of supply includes, among others, the entire traction package, all auxiliary converters, the air-conditioning systems, the diagnostic system including a radio link to the workshop, the passenger information system and the automatic train stop facility.

All power converters are of a state-of-the-art air-cooled IGBT type. The vehicles are equipped with two IGBT traction inverters that are directly fed from the overhead line. These power two robust asynchronous AC traction motors each. The fully sprung motors are completely sealed and self-ventilated. Each vehicle is fitted with two independent auxiliary converters for the power supply of subsystems, plus two separate auxiliary converters powering the air-conditioning units. All power converters are installed in under-floor containers that are easily accessible.

In case of a fault these containers can be removed easily and replaced by a working unit, thus guaranteeing a shortest possible interruption of service. The microprocessor control with its embedded spin/slide correction system allows a jerk-free acceleration and deceleration and a regenerative brake to standstill of the vehicle. Most system controls use a serial data bus that operates according to the CAN-open standard. All functions that have an impact on safety are monitored, in general, using dedicated control lines that also serve as back-ups. The train bus allows data transmission within a train consisting of up to four vehicles.

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