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Advantages of Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) technology
Using Linear Induction Motor (LIM) propulsion, radial-steering bogies and communications-based moving block train control, the driverless ART technology was designed, from its inception, as a fully automated transit system. Principal benefits of this steel rail/steel wheel technology include the ability to operate at very high service frequencies, easy system expandability, and all weather operation on challenging alignments.
ART is remarkably well-suited to a variety of applications – including regional urban transit, downtown and airport circulation/distribution, and airport-to-downtown connections. ART systems can be constructed in many different settings: underground – ART vehicles require one of the industry's smallest tunnel diameters; above ground – ART elevated guideways are smaller than other rail technologies because the vehicles are lighter.
ART’s unobtrusive stations blend with, or into, planned and existing buildings and streetscapes, or along expressway medians.
Reference projects
Kelana Jaya Line, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Built to a fast-track schedule for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, the 29-km system links the downtown core with outlying suburban areas. The current fleet of 70 driverless vehicles, powered by Bombardier's unique LIM propulsion system, carries 170,000 passengers a day. The recent order of vehicles will triple the fleet size to 210 vehicles.
Vancouver SkyTrain, Canada Over 49 km, the 2-line Vancouver SkyTrain* is the longest, fully automated driverless transit system in the world. SkyTrain is the backbone of an impressive integrated land-sea- rail system and has carried over 700 million passengers reliably and safely since 1986. The mixed fleet of first- and second-generation SkyTrain LIM-powered vehicles now totals 210. In 2009, 48 new vehicles will provide a much needed fleet expansion.
AirTrain JFK, New York, United States AirTrain JFK* links nine terminals with two branches that interface with New York's regional transit systems. Designed to provide riders with reliable, quick and easy access in all weather conditions, the 3-m wide LIM-powered vehicles feature extra-wide doors and on-board luggage racks. The fleet of 32 vehicles services the 13-km system. Bombardier is operating and maintaining the system for up to 15 years.
Yongin LRT, Republic of South Korea The operating requirements of the Yongin EverLine are an excellent match to the service-proven ART. The fleet of 30 vehicles is projected to carry 13 million tourists annually. Bombardier is providing up to 30 years of operations and maintenance services for the 18.5-km driverless system.
Beijing Airport Link Opened in time for the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008, the 28-km automated airport link connects Dongzhimen Station in the heart of the city to Beijing Capital International Airport. Featuring Bombardier’s ART technology, the 40 ART MK II vehicles were manufactured by local partner Changchun Railway Vehicles (CRC).
*Trademarks of third parties
The Linear Induction Motor
How the LIM works
The LIM is a direct drive motor. It creates a ‘moving magnetic field’ that is used to propel or brake the ART vehicle along the linear induction reaction rail, which is located between the rails of a standard gauge railway track. The LIM has the great operational advantage of providing thrust and braking forces that do not rely on traction or adhesion between the wheels and the rails. ART, in fact, is a magnetically propelled train.
LIM propulsion is well proven in over 90 years of combined system operations, and has consistently delivered reliable performance and safe stopping regardless of weather conditions. \
Environmental benefits of ART technology
Noise reduction
- Radial steering eliminates wheel misalignment with the rail resulting in low noise levels and reduced wheel and rail wear when compared to conventional fixed bogies.
- Since the LIM is a direct drive motor that uses magnetic force to accelerate and brake, it has no moving parts except a cooling fan, and no need for a gearbox, eliminating another major source of noise, compared to conventional traction motors.
Improved guideway aesthetics
The ART vehicle
- is designed with a lower floor, thereby reducing its overall height and visual impact, and
- uses smaller wheels, lighter bogies, and aluminum construction to significantly reduce its weight.
The lighter ART vehicle, with LIM motors, permits a less obtrusive guideway structure that blends seamlessly into the urban community.
Essential urban fit
The direct-drive capability of the LIM and the excellent curving capability of the radial-steering bogie allow the transit system designer:
- more freedom to design a guideway that does not interfere with existing cityscapes, and
- greater flexibility to place stations conveniently along the route, which are more accessible to the travelling public.
This is a major benefit over conventional rotary propulsion steel wheel/steel rail systems that are generally limited to less steep gradients (3% versus up to 8% with ART technology) and larger curve radius (200 metres versus 50 metres with ART technology)
Elimination of oil spills
The LIM does not require a gearbox, thereby removing all risk of environmental pollution due to oil spills.
Reduced Life Cycle Costs (LCC)
ART technology uses radial-steering bogies and the LIM, significantly reducing both wheel/rail wear and associated maintenance costs, contributing to the sustainability of the transit system.
Direct drive LIM propulsion with a lightweight vehicle reduces lifetime energy consumption.
Adhesion independent LIM propulsion enables automatic unattended reliable operation with short train resulting in:
- attractive service
- lower LCC (no drivers)
- flexible operation
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