Siemens is building ICx trains for Deutsche Bahn
Siemens is building ICx trains for Deutsche Bahn. The ICx will be the backbone of the Deutsche Bahn’s future long-distance network. In May 2011, the German national railway company is concluding a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility for up to 300 trainsets. It is the largest train contract that Siemens has ever won in its more than 160 years of corporate history.
In the initial phase, 130 ICx-type trains have been ordered, and beginning in 2017 they will replace the Intercity and Eurocity fleets put into operation between 1971 and 1991. At a later time, it is planned to replace ICE 1 and ICE 2 vehicles. The Icx trains will then be responsible for roughly 70 percent of Deutsche Bahn’s interurban transport revenue.
The ICx sets new standards in intercity traffic. A unique train concept has been developed, that means it can be individually adapted to the requirements of various transport tasks. The modular drive concept is based on independent Powercars with identical traction technology, resulting in more flexibility than ever before. High operational availability is guaranteed by a large number of reliable systems with high redundancy.
The ICx will be the backbone of the Deutsche Bahn’s future long-distance network. In May 2011, the German national railway company is concluding a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility for up to 300 train- sets. In the initial phase, 130 ICx-type trains have been ordered, and beginning in 2017 they will replace the Intercity and Eurocity fleets put into operation between 1971 and 1991. At a later time, it is planned to replace ICE 1 and ICE 2 vehicles. The ICx will then be respon- sible for roughly 70 percent of Deutsche Bahn’s inter- urban transport revenue.
Flexible vehicle
The ICx sets new standards in intercity traffic. Together with its partner Bombardier, Siemens has developed a unique concept, that means it can be individually adapted to the requirements of various transport tasks. The modular drive concept is based on independent Power- cars with identical traction technology, resulting in more flexibility than ever before. High operational availability is guaranteed by a large number of reliable systems with high redundancy.
The powercar concept
The ICx’s drive concept is based on the so called Powercar concept. To achieve a high degree of modularity and therefore flexibility, the components of the traction system – basically trans- former, traction converter, cooler, and four traction motors – are implemented in autonomic, powered identical cars (Powercars) and integrated beneath the cars. All trainset configurations – from five to fourteen cars – are possible within certain framework conditions. This means that the train can be optimally adapted to specific transport tasks in terms of acceleration, speed, and passenger capacity. Even a double traction of two seven-part trainsets to form a 400-meter trainset as per TSI is feasible. Other configurations are also conceivable – for example, modifying the ratio of first-class to second-class seats.
Optimized usable floor space
The ICx is a true world champion when it comes to usable floor space. In only seven cars, it can comfortably accommodate more than 450 seats in a 200 meter long train. The individual steel- bodied cars have been lengthened to 28 meters, thereby reducing the number of intercar gang- ways, components, and bogies while increasing car capacity. Electronics cabinets have been largely eliminated from the interior, and the functional areas have been combined spatially. In addition, new seats are being used with innovative ergonomics and seat kinematics.
Modular interior design
Configuring the ICx’s large usable floor space is easy and straightforward, thanks to the empty- tube principle. The entire passenger area has a modular layout, so all the furnishings can be varied at will. As a result, last-minute changes to accommodate new requirements can be quickly and easily implemented.
To ensure maximum flexibility, all passenger areas are equipped for easy reconfiguration. They’re specifically designed for railway applications, are stain-resistant, easy to clean, and conform to fire, health, and environmental standards.
Innovative seats provide an especially high degree of interior flexibility. They are mounted on C-rails along which they can be moved: and all the passenger conveniences, including reservation indicators and electrical outlets, are integrated in the seats themselves. First-class seats are also equipped with reading lamps.
High travel comfort
Lighting concept
The large panoramic windows (1,924 mm x 780 mm) ensure a well-lit interior and a bright, friendly atmosphere. At the same time, the innovative lighting in the passenger area provides bright, uniform illumination even when the luggage racks are full. The latest LED technology means that different colors can be selected to reflect different lighting scenarios, thereby adjusting the color and brightness of the lighting according to the time of day.
Galley
The galley area is roomy, and the glass case is perfectly matched with the ICx’s interior design concept, providing a substantial increase in service options. The number of seats in the restaurant is based on the particular type of train and can be flexibly adapted depending on requirements.
Accessibility
To make travel more enjoyable for those with limited mobility, the ICx’s multifunction car provides an area for wheelchairs that is located in direct proximity to a wheelchair lift and roomy universal restroom that conform to TSI PRM standards. The floor is also equipped with a touch-sensitive guidance system to help blind or visually impaired passengers.
Intelligent passenger information
The passenger information system keeps passengers constantly informed – both visu- ally and audibly – of the itinerary and the available services. In different regions, texts and speech can be output in different lan- guages, e.g. German, English, and French. The ICx is equipped for GSM mobile phone and mobile Internet access.
Ecofriendly operation
Despite its high seating capacity, the ICx is relatively lightweight, with a superior weight-to-seat ratio. The ICx’s modularity supports train configurations that require as few components as possible. Carefully selected innovations – like the combined use of lightweight trailing bogies with inside bearings and weight-optimized power bogies, and the further refinement of the aerodynamic design – help reduce weight and energy consumption. The ICx needs up to 30% less energy than its predecessors.
Trailing bogie
The ICx uses a more highly developed variant of the Bombardier FLEXX Eco® trailing bogie. It has been optimized for high-speed trans- port. This bogie is especially track-friendly and helps reduce energy consumption through its construction and skirt option. The trailing bogie is characterized by its low unsprung mass and its very low weight. Thanks to its lightweight characteristics it reduces the ICx’s total weight by 5 %.
Power bogie
The ICx’s power bogie is a further develop- ment of the tried-and-tested SF 500 family. This robust bogie meets high demands for bearing loads and traction forces and has already been successfully in use in high- speed transport and double-decker trains.
Technical data (basic variants)
7-car trainset |
12-car trainset |
|
Maximum speed |
230 km/h |
250 km/h |
Train length |
200 m |
346 m |
Voltage system |
15 kV / 16.67 Hz; 25kV/50Hz; 1.5kV/DC; 3.0kV/DC |
15kV/16.67Hz |
Number of Powercars |
3 |
6 |
Traction output |
4.95 MW |
9.9 MW |
Brakes |
Air brake with extra regenerative brake, track brake as electro-magnetic track brake |
|
Number of axles |
28 (12 driven) |
48 (24 driven) |
Number of bogies |
14 (6 driven) |
24 (12 driven) |
Axle load |
<18t |
|
TSI class |
2 |
1 |
Gauge |
1,435 mm |
|
Car body |
Steel, 28 m |
|
Pantograph |
AC |
AC |
Service entry |
12 / 2020 |
12 / 2017 |
Number of seats
|
456/77/17 |
830/205/23 |
