Traction Technology
Reliable protection during continuous operation
For rail vehicles, traction power supply,
signaling and infrastructure
High cycle
durability for
demanding load profiles
Shock- and
vibration-resistant due to railway requirements
Customized
solutions and
technical consulting
Intro
Dynamic load profiles
In railway operations, acceleration, braking, and regenerative braking result in highly dynamic current waveforms. Fuses must reliably withstand these stresses over millions of load cycles without premature aging or unwanted tripping. Therefore, the design is determined not only by the maximum current but also by the overall load profile.
Our Solution
SIBA develops safety solutions based on real-world load profiles and decades of experience in rail applications. Our products are designed for high cycle endurance, sustained thermal loads, and reliable shutdown in the event of a fault—even under demanding conditions.
Expert Tip: Peak Current and RMS Value
The trend towards larger and more powerful systems is being driven largely by government funding programs, the energy transition, the expansion of renewable energy and the growing need for grid stability. This highlights the need for an extremely robust and reliable protection strategy – both for new projects and for scaled-up existing installations, as the potential risk of faults increases as the number of storage units grows.
Short-circuit conditions in rail systems
Rail power systems differ significantly from traditional industrial applications. Long cable runs, high inductance, and regenerative operation affect short-circuit behavior and can lead to higher voltages. In such cases, selecting a fuse based solely on rated current and rated voltage is not sufficient. The actual operating and fault conditions are the decisive factors.
Our Solution
SIBA provides support in the early stages of a project to help select and design suitable protective devices. In addition to voltage and current, we take into account time constants, regenerative operation, project-specific short-circuit conditions, and the requirements of relevant railway standards, such as IEC 60077-5. This results in protection solutions that are optimally tailored to the specific application.
Expert Tip: Take Time Constants (L/R) into Account Correctly
In railway power systems, overhead lines, conductor rails, transformers, and long cable runs result in significantly higher inductance than in traditional industrial applications. As a result, the short-circuit current rises more slowly, and the fuse’s tripping behavior changes. Taking the time constant (L/R) into account is therefore an essential part of a reliable fuse design.
Availability under extreme conditions
Shock, vibration, temperature fluctuations, and long service life cycles place the highest demands on protection solutions. At the same time, the failure of a single component can compromise the availability of entire vehicles or infrastructure systems. Protection solutions must therefore function reliably even under the most demanding operating conditions.
Our Solution
SIBA fuses are designed for long-term use in railway applications. They withstand mechanical and thermal stresses, meet the requirements of relevant railway standards, and contribute to high system availability throughout the entire life cycle.
Expert Tip: Choosing the Right Operating Class Is Key
The trend towards larger and more powerful systems is being driven largely by government funding programs, the energy transition, the expansion of renewable energy and the growing need for grid stability. This highlights the need for an extremely robust and reliable protection strategy – both for new projects and for scaled-up existing installations, as the potential risk of faults increases as the number of storage units grows.
Expert Tip: The railway power grid is not the same as the industrial power grid
Large sections of the European rail network operate at 16 ⅔Hz, which is different to conventional industrial power supply networks. Anyone designing fuses for railway applications must take these specific characteristics into account to ensure reliable protection and high system availability.
Insights & Inspiration
Safety Solutions for All Areas of Railway Technology
Every railway application has specific electrical protection requirements. Whether for rail vehicles, traction converters, railway infrastructure, or signaling systems—SIBA offers application-specific protection solutions tailored to the respective operating conditions and protection requirements.
