Zefiros for SJ will use Knorr-Bremse technologies

Alstom has commissioned Knorr-Bremse to equip new SJ Zefiro high-speed trains with braking systems, which will be managed by the latest evolution of the CubeControl brake control system. Previous generations of the technology are already installed in metro, regional and high-speed trains built by Alstom; now the next generation will be part of another major project. Deliveries will start in 2024 and are scheduled to continue through to 2028. For Knorr-Bremse, the order value is in the lower double-digit million-euro range.

Dr. Jürgen Wilder, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG and responsible for the Rail Vehicle Systems division, says: “As a key supplier, our mission is to offer innovative, market-leading solutions to the rail industry. With our new CubeControl, we’ve developed another high-quality technology that will help our customers to make rail mobility even safer, more efficient and more reliable. For us, Alstom’s order is an important milestone in bringing this next-generation product to market.”

CubeControl now integrates the components in train braking systems even more intelligently. The complex interactions between, for example, electropneumatics, mechatronics, smart software and data have all been enhanced and optimized. This makes it possible to further improve braking performance and braking dynamics and, for example, avoid delays more proactively.

The new CubeControl will also help to enable innovations such as Reproducible Braking Distance (RBD), which Knorr-Bremse is aiming to launch in 2024. RBD will make braking distances even more predictable and reliable, helping to reduce train headways so that more trains can travel on existing tracks – yet another increase in transportation capacity.

Already today, CubeControl is the most popular brake control system in the world, with more than 100,000 units from previous generations in daily use. These systems have been helping to keep rail operations safe, stable and reliable since the first generation was released. Knorr-Bremse first presented the new CubeControl concept at InnoTrans 2018. In 2022, the pilot product was showcased as part of the company’s innovation portfolio for train braking systems . Knorr-Bremse is currently investing in the ramp-up for the new CubeControl’s batch production.

The Alstom order, placed with Knorr-Bremse in the second quarter of 2023, includes not just CubeControl, but also bogie equipment and compressed-air supply units for the braking systems. Knorr-Bremse will also be supplying highly efficient wiper-wash systems for the driver’s cab windshields, power electronics for efficient onboard energy management, and high-quality entrance systems manufactured by Group brand IFE.