LUNA system enables preventive maintenance

In the rail sector, modern consumption and emission-optimized engines complying with EU Emission Stage V are increasingly being used. Also, hybrid drive systems are becoming a focus on the rails. This trend is also driven by the public awareness of emissions from combustion engines. With the Modula hybrid locomotive, Vossloh Rolling Stock is significantly advancing this development, therefore serving future transport tasks by combining shunting service and freight traffic.

No matter which form of energy storage will prevail in the future. Whether it’s a diesel, battery or hydrogen fuel cell, or the more durable hydrogen piston engine, with the modular platform of the Modula locomotive, the manufacturer Vossloh Rolling Stock offers a high degree of variability and enables the integration of current and future energy storage and generation technologies.

The rail vehicle operator can choose the hybrid equipment suitable for their operational area, and precisely tailor the locomotive's equipment to their actual operating conditions. In addition, the Modula stands out due to consistently reduced energy costs in branch line and construction train operations, while maintaining excellent shunting capabilities. Additionally, the environmental and cost balance is improved by the ability to switch quickly between overhead line and internal energy storage or diesel module while in operation. The principle of the hybrid locomotive also extends the range while simultaneously feeding back braking energy into the overhead line network or the traction battery.

Unlike the usual regular maintenance of vehicles, the Modula platform allows for largely flexible maintenance depending on the condition, individual mileage, and usage time. This new principle of "Predictive Maintenance" ensures high availability and reliability, and contributes to reducing operating costs per kilometer.

In this context, "proactive maintenance, plays a central role. This involves monitoring the condition of vehicle components through real-time data analysis so that preventive maintenance can be performed at signs of wear before the component fails. This significantly reduces downtime.

With the new LUNA system (Lütze Universal Network Adapter) by LÜTZE Transportation, employed in the Modula locomotive, such preventive maintenance can be implemented. The system enables continuous energy management based on the data collected through constant current monitoring. Sensor data is continuously analyzed to predict upcoming failures of consumers, and to plan necessary maintenance in advance.

Author: Andreas Schindler, LÜTZE Transportation with material from Vossloh Rolling Stock
Fig.: Modula Hybrid Locomotive from Vossloh Rolling Stock