For a year now, Deutsche Bahn's train washing facility in Leipzig has been using the new VarTWC (Variable Train Wash Control) software from AIS Automation Dresden to control its washing and waste water treatment systems of the exterior train wash (ARA) in Leipzig. Following modernisation, control over the washing process has become much simpler for the facility's operator, Deutsche Bahn AG, with easy-to-use control software and a database that facilitates statistical analysis.
All status information available at a glance
The Leipzig train wash's six main sections can now be operated automatically, semi-automatically or manually. All status information and operational elements are now displayed on the operator PCs. The controller now has an overview of the complete washing process and full facility status at all times, without the need to switch from one screen to another. This helps to ensure that operating errors and queries can be avoided.
If, for example, it is necessary to operate the facility manually during servicing or at times of poor visibility, it is possible to control each component of the washing facility directly from the wash portal using a hand-held, wireless device.
Simple management systems used to optimise processes
To wash rolling stock, it is first necessary to establish the geometric dimensions of the individual vehicles. The standardised parameters for different vehicles can be clearly and easily managed for the Leipzig train wash using the VarTWC control software.
"We particularly liked the fact that controllers can now create new classes of vehicle on their own, without any external help and at no extra cost", explained Andreas Raetzsch of the facility's responsible, from ARA Leipzig of DB Fernverkehr AG. Key parameters of the wash programme (e.g. choice of brushes, type of wash, etc.) can also be specified by the controller and stored in the database.
Historical data supports decision-making and saves money
Data relating to individual washing operations can be used for various types of analysis. "The analyses that we can now carry out using the VarTWC software allow us to incorporate washing operations data into the invoicing system so that invoicing can be integrated into the overall process", says Raetzsch.
Information such as throughput, materials use (cleaning agents), energy consumption, etc. are analysed statistically to help us optimise facility utilisation. The length of each wash program for a particular class of vehicle provides us with target values for the length of individual programmes. Controllers can optimise utilisation of the facility and so increase the number of individual washing operations.
About DB Fernverkehr AG
(German railway intercity transport)
The DB Fernverkehr AG is a railway transportation company for the rail passenger long-distance traffic. The place of business is situated in Frankfurt/Main. It is a 100% affiliated company of the DB Mobility Logistics AG.
The DB Fernverkehr AG performs long-distance services national and Europe-wide. Types of train which are operated by The DB Fernverkehr AG are InterCityExpress, InterCity and EuroCity trains.
All status information available at a glance
The Leipzig train wash's six main sections can now be operated automatically, semi-automatically or manually. All status information and operational elements are now displayed on the operator PCs. The controller now has an overview of the complete washing process and full facility status at all times, without the need to switch from one screen to another. This helps to ensure that operating errors and queries can be avoided.
If, for example, it is necessary to operate the facility manually during servicing or at times of poor visibility, it is possible to control each component of the washing facility directly from the wash portal using a hand-held, wireless device.
Simple management systems used to optimise processes
To wash rolling stock, it is first necessary to establish the geometric dimensions of the individual vehicles. The standardised parameters for different vehicles can be clearly and easily managed for the Leipzig train wash using the VarTWC control software.
"We particularly liked the fact that controllers can now create new classes of vehicle on their own, without any external help and at no extra cost", explained Andreas Raetzsch of the facility's responsible, from ARA Leipzig of DB Fernverkehr AG. Key parameters of the wash programme (e.g. choice of brushes, type of wash, etc.) can also be specified by the controller and stored in the database.
Historical data supports decision-making and saves money
Data relating to individual washing operations can be used for various types of analysis. "The analyses that we can now carry out using the VarTWC software allow us to incorporate washing operations data into the invoicing system so that invoicing can be integrated into the overall process", says Raetzsch.
Information such as throughput, materials use (cleaning agents), energy consumption, etc. are analysed statistically to help us optimise facility utilisation. The length of each wash program for a particular class of vehicle provides us with target values for the length of individual programmes. Controllers can optimise utilisation of the facility and so increase the number of individual washing operations.
About DB Fernverkehr AG
(German railway intercity transport)
The DB Fernverkehr AG is a railway transportation company for the rail passenger long-distance traffic. The place of business is situated in Frankfurt/Main. It is a 100% affiliated company of the DB Mobility Logistics AG.
The DB Fernverkehr AG performs long-distance services national and Europe-wide. Types of train which are operated by The DB Fernverkehr AG are InterCityExpress, InterCity and EuroCity trains.
