Desiro Main Line Passenger Trains – Railway Technology

This article delves into the Siemens Desiro Main Line (ML) passenger train, a versatile and efficient rolling stock designed for commuter, regional, and inter-regional rail services. The project aims to explore the Desiro ML’s technological advancements, operational capabilities, and economic impact, highlighting its contribution to modernizing railway networks. We will analyze its design philosophy, focusing on the innovative single-car concept and its implications for maintenance and flexibility. Further, we will examine its performance characteristics, energy efficiency, and adaptability to various operational environments. Finally, we will review significant deployments of the Desiro ML across Europe, assessing the impact of these projects and identifying trends in its adoption. This analysis provides valuable insights into the future of passenger rail transportation and the role of technologically advanced rolling stock in enhancing efficiency and passenger experience.

Design and Engineering

The Desiro ML’s design centers around a modular, single-car concept. This innovative approach significantly reduces maintenance costs by simplifying component management and repair. The basic design allows for variable train lengths, enabling operators to adjust capacity by easily adding or removing cars from the center section. Train lengths can range from 48.4 meters (two-car) to 93.3 meters (four-car). The low floor height (600mm or 800mm) improves accessibility, particularly for passengers with impaired mobility. The lightweight aluminum body, compliant with crash resistance specifications, contributes to energy efficiency. The bogies (wheeled chassis), derived from Siemens’ SF 6000 family and equipped with secondary air suspension, ensure smooth and comfortable ride quality. The interior features a modular design, allowing for flexible configuration of seating arrangements and passenger amenities, such as heat-insulated windows, ergonomically designed seats, and ample luggage racks. The air-conditioning equipment and diesel generators (in DMU versions) are roof-mounted to maximize interior space.

Traction and Braking Systems

Each Desiro ML motor car incorporates four semi-suspended 325kW asynchronous motors, providing impressive starting acceleration (up to 1.1m/s²). The electric multiple unit (EMU) version boasts up to 2,600kW of traction power with eight powered axles, while the diesel multiple unit (DMU) version offers 1,000kW with four powered axles. The versatile traction system operates on various voltage systems: 15kV AC, 25kV AC, and 3kV DC. The train’s braking system integrates regenerative braking, disc brakes, and magnetic track brakes for enhanced safety and energy recovery. The Desiro ML also incorporates the Siemens Sibas 32 train control system, ensuring compliance with diverse signaling and Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems.

Operational Capabilities and Deployments

Desiro ML trains are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 160 km/h and can accommodate up to 384 passengers, making them suitable for a variety of services, from high-frequency commuter operations to longer-distance regional and inter-regional routes. The single-car concept, coupled with the short wheelbase bogies, contributes to reduced wear and tear, further lowering maintenance costs. The train’s energy efficiency is noteworthy, particularly in the DMU version, which boasts a 35% fuel consumption reduction compared to conventional diesel trains thanks to an innovative energy storage system. Significant deployments include orders from Angel Trains International (16 units), SNCB/NMBS (Belgian National Railway) initially for 95 units, with a larger order of 210 units suspended, Russian Railways (38 units for the 2014 Sochi Olympics), and Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) (up to 200 units). These deployments demonstrate the Desiro ML’s adaptability to diverse operational needs and geographical conditions.

Project Summary and Conclusions

The Desiro ML project showcases Siemens’ commitment to developing innovative and efficient passenger rolling stock. Its single-car concept, coupled with advanced traction and braking systems, has resulted in a train that is both cost-effective and highly adaptable to various operational requirements. The modular design allows for flexible configurations tailored to specific passenger capacities and traction system needs. The train’s energy efficiency and improved accessibility further enhance its appeal. While the initial projects have demonstrated success, the suspended SNCB/NMBS order highlights the importance of comprehensive market analysis and risk management in large-scale rolling stock procurements. The long-term success of Desiro ML will depend on continued innovation, addressing emerging technological advancements, and adapting to the ever-evolving needs of rail operators. The project ultimately demonstrates the potential for modern rail technology to improve efficiency, enhance the passenger experience, and contribute to sustainable transportation solutions. The successful implementation of the Desiro ML across different railway networks globally showcases the positive impact of technologically advanced rolling stock on the rail industry.

Company Information:

• Siemens: A global technology powerhouse, specializing in various industries including rail transportation. They are known for their advanced rolling stock and signaling systems.
• Angel Trains International: A rolling stock leasing company.
• SNCB/NMBS (Belgian National Railway): The national railway company of Belgium.
• Russian Railways (RZD): The state-owned railway company of Russia.
• Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB): The national railway company of Austria.