Dortmund again relies on systems expertise from Kiepe Electric

As a system supplier, Kiepe Electric is responsible for the project planning, delivery, assembly and commissioning of the electrical systems. The new, high-floor, bi-directional light rail vehicles are powered by advanced three-phase drive, while the driver’s cabs are equipped with ergonomic multifunction displays and modern HVAC systems. Kiepe Electric supplies the vehicle control system, the entire drivetrain, the on-board power converters, the HVAC technology, the integrated vehicle data management via wireless LAN, and an extensive replacement parts and maintenance package.

The same electrical systems will be used for both the modernization of the existing fleet and the newly built vehicles. This offers major advantages for the customer in terms of vehicle maintenance. The only exception is the three-phase drive system. The new system is driven by a cutting-edge DC chopper with state-of-the-art control technology from Kiepe Electric.

To ensure that parts are interchangeable between the modernized vehicles and the newly built ones, Kiepe Electric is initially completing prototype vehicles for each sub-project.

To quote Dr. Peter Radina, Member of the Management Board, Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems: “In addition to the 24 new vehicles joining the fleet, the existing fleet of Type B80-C vehicles is being modernized. Through the modernization measures, Kiepe Electric is ensuring the reliable and advanced performance of the electrical systems and thereby helping to prolong the life cycle of the entire LRV fleet. DSW21 has been operating low-floor LRVs with Kiepe electrical systems since the 1990s, so we are all the more delighted to have been selected as first-choice system supplier.”