Meeting the Steepest of Challenges on the Pilatus Bahn

ABB traction converters are powering new trains up the Swiss Pilatus Bahn, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.

July 25, 2023

Meeting the Steepest of Challenges on the Pilatus Bahn

A new, more energy-efficient fleet of railcars is now bringing thousands of visitors to the top of the Pilatus, a very popular destination in Switzerland.  The 4.6 kilometer route, operated by the Pilatus Bahnen, is the world’s steepest cogwheel railway with a gradient of up to 48 percent.  The journey between Alpnachstad and the end station Pilatus Kulm reaches an elevation of 2073 meters and offers expansive views across Central Switzerland. The rack railway covers almost 1,700 meters in altitude gain with an average gradient of 35 percent and a maximum gradient of 48 percent.

ABB traction converters are powering new trains up the Swiss Pilatus Bahn, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.

ABB drive technology is contributing to more efficient, reliable and sustainable rail operations on the line. Using ABB’s energy-efficient traction converters, the new rack-and-pinion railcars consume 30 percent less energy than the previous generation of trains. Also, when the train brakes, the kinetic energy is converted into electricity rather than being wasted in heat. Thus, during braking, the electrical energy generated is fed back into the grid and available to use for the ascent.

Source

Related Story

ABB Helping to Prepare Students for Future of Work

ABB is helping to prepare students for future of work. The future of work is changing. Automated technologies are increasingly a part of the working world, which requires a new generation of tech-savvy employees who can master the technologies and find new ways to work with them.

For both current and future workers, the challenge is to ensure that their skillsets are complementary to automated technologies, allowing them to use the technologies to find ways to make themselves more productive. With its extensive experience and portfolio of robotic solutions, ABB is assisting educational institutions with the training needed to teach robotic and automation skills to today’s students who become tomorrow’s workers.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • How the NX102 Controller Streamlines Machine Automation with EtherCAT and CIP Safety

    November 12, 2024 In today’s manufacturing landscape, the complexity of machine control systems often leads to increased costs, extended implementation times, and challenging maintenance requirements. Omron’s NX102 Machine Automation Controller addresses these challenges head-on by seamlessly integrating EtherCAT motion control and CIP Safety functionality into a single, powerful platform. Simplified Network Architecture Through Integration The NX102 controller… Read More…

  • 3 Things Manufacturers Should Know About Industry 5.0

    November 12, 2024 While many manufacturers are still embracing the principles of Industry 4.0, the next evolution, Industry 5.0, is already beginning to take shape. Unlike Industry 4.0, which was a giant leap forward in automation and digitalization, Industry 5.0 represents a reconsideration of how smart technology platforms can work alongside humans. This includes technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Industrial… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • FLO Confirms FLO Station Eligibility for ZEVIP Funding in 2024

    November 21, 2024 FLO confirms that all FLO commercial charging stations remain eligible for ZEVIP funding under this new federal directive Canada recently announced trade measures impacting vehicles from China and limiting eligibility under the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) to electric vehicle (EV) charging products manufactured in countries that have negotiated free… Read More…

  • Omron’s D40A-2 Non-Contact Interlock Door Switch

    November 21, 2024 Next-generation, non-contact safety interlock switch for most common safety applications. The D40A-2 Non-Contact Safety Door Switch is designed to enhance safety and efficiency in industrial environments. This advanced switch exceeds safety standards and is ideal for manufacturing settings, featuring a coded magnetic mechanism that improves reliability and prevents bypassing. It includes 2-color… Read More…