Enjoy climate- and environmentally friendly travel with Bayerische Regiobahn

Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) transports passengers around the most picturesque regions of Bavaria and contributes to ensuring these regions remain there for a long time to come. In some areas of the large network, Bayerische Regiobahn has already taken green steps and is using electric railcars. On track sections still awaiting electrification, however, Bayerische Regiobahn mainly uses ’lightweight, innovative local public transport railcars’ (LINT). Powered by diesel fuel, these latest-generation vehicles emit up to 90 % less nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions than previous models.

The cooling circuit in a LINT railcar is responsible for keeping the engine and the transmission running. Coolant analyses make sure the circuit and any connected units remain operational and free from issues over a long period of time.

As rail is the most environmentally friendly mode of motorised transport, neither the transport revolution nor the climate transition will work if the rail companies are not on board. The transport sector is expected to reduce its total emissions by 48.5 % by 2030. Bayerische Regiobahn is already taking steps to reduce emissions through targeted measures.

Today, 35 environmentally friendly electric railcars are in service on the BRB’s Chiemgau-Inntal network. What’s more, the diesel railcar fleet on the Oberland network was successfully replaced in June 2020 – with the switch from the former Integral to the new LINT 54 vehicles being completed almost five years ahead of schedule. This reduced nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions from diesel railcars by 90 %. The two-carriage trains can hold 125 passengers each and allow passengers to travel in comfort. When higher passenger volumes are expected, several units can be coupled together with ease. Three 390 kW diesel engines power a LINT 54 up to its top speed of 140 km/h. The engines can be engaged or disengaged as required, depending on the terrain on the route. The Oberland region, for example, requires all three engines to be engaged due to its large number of uphill gradients. Yet when the train is travelling on a level track, two engines are perfectly adequate for providing sufficient power, resulting in less diesel fuel being consumed and lower emissions. Drivers at Bayerische Regiobahn also receive training in energy-efficient driving right from the start. As an example, engines are not left running when preparing the diesel fleet for use in the morning, as the compressed air required for operation is generated by a stationary supply system. This reduces the consumption of diesel fuel as well as the emissions and noise pollution even further. Protection against unnecessary noise is particularly important in the Bavarian Oberland, with its winding routes. Bayerische Regiobahn not only provides greater noise protection with optimised flange lubrication, but also installs special rings on the vehicles’ wheel sets to absorb noise.

Delays can happen, but should be avoided if at all possible. That’s why railway operators are always keen to discover any technical deficiencies in advance where possible. Bayerische Regiobahn has used OELCHECK all-inclusive analysis kits for coolants for several years now, since unexpected defects were detected in the cooling systems on a fleet of new LINT railcars. According to the railway manufacturer’s specifications, the coolant should be replaced every three years. However, wear and corrosion had occurred even before the three-year period had expired, while some radiators were also leaking.

OELCHECK examined the coolants from a range of cooling systems in the lab, looking at the following:

• Condition of the coolants and their ageing
• Water quality
• Content of degradation products and changes to additives
• Content of any impurities

After completing the analyses, it was suspected that copper ions had been released from the cooling water lines, corroding the aluminium transmission heat exchanger. Following consultations with the OEM, the transmission heat exchangers were converted to stainless steel. In addition, the cooling systems were filled with a silicate-free agent to protect the radiators, in which organic salts act against any corrosion. The existing LINT railcars will also be converted to use the same protective agent. OELCHECK laboratory analyses will support the conversion process. In taking this action, Bayerische Regiobahn ensures the continued operation of its cooling systems, engines and transmissions.