IGUS | energy chains

1204 i.Cee More information www.igus.eu/predictive-maintenance smart plastics | i.Cee in an autonomous trainwashing system i.Cee ... ... in use at train washing station in Luxembourg ... Challenge The previous energy chain systems of a competitor caused disruptions in the operation of the plant, as they were often failing. This was particularly problematic because the washing plant is operated autonomously and a failure of an energy chain system could bring the entire washing process to a halt. The necessary repair measures were therefore time-consuming and partly necessary at night and on weekends. Failure would mean the confinement of a rail vehicle in the wash hall, which could result in the cancellation of several train runs. The solution with smart plastics The aimwas to find a product that not only safely supplies the washing trolleys with data, voltage, compressed air, water and cleaning agents, but also fulfils CFL's requirement to operate Europe's most modern train washing plant. For this purpose, a system was required that allows the operator to monitor each individual energy chain and to avoid a breakdown of the plant. Besides an igus ® energy chain designed for long travels, igus ® smart plastics components were installed. Sensors monitor the status of every igus ® energy chain during operation with regard to the application of force but also with regard to wear and tear, and inform in good time as soon as a repair or replacement is required. In the course of the modernisation of the energy chain systems, the entire cleaning system was also renewed, so that in addition to particularly environmentally friendly cleaning agents, the used washing water was also reused again and again through reprocessing. EC.P/EC.W/EC.M ● EC.P sensor measures the tensile forces acting on the e-chain ® ● EC.W Sensor measures the e-chain ® wear ● EC.M sensor measures all dynamic parameters of the energy supply