“We support manufacturers and operators to implement modernisation and digitalisation effectively, efficiently and safely”, says Dr Martin Webhofer, CEO of TÜV SÜD Rail GmbH. The advancement of digitalisation and automation can contribute significantly to making rail operations both safer and more efficient – and thus ultimately more competitive. One example of a technology fulfilling this purpose is the digital automatic coupling (DAC), which can fundamentally improve the efficiency of railway freight transport. At its Rolling Stock Test Center in Goerlitz, TÜV SÜD offers comprehensive testing of digital automatic couplings, covering the entire development process. In addition to this, virtual testing is taking on an increasingly important role for approval procedures. At InnoTrans, TÜV SÜD will present a WSP simulator that can be used to simulate dynamic WSP tests on stationary vehicles. This method facilitates test organisation, allows the WSP system to be adjusted while the vehicle is taken into service and ensures the reproducibility of tests and test results.

Defence against cyber-attacks
However, digitalisation and the use of open interconnected systems also raises the risk of cyber-attacks, which compromise system availability and transport safety. Boasting extensive expertise in this area, TÜV SÜD supports manufacturers, service companies, system providers and operators with the relevant assessments, tests, and certifications. “We are thoroughly familiar with the relevant security standards, including IEC 62443 and TS 50701, and can verify whether they have been adequately implemented”, explains Dr Webhofer. Providing their assessment and inspection services, the experts make major contributions to the identification of existing risks and determination of suitable defence mechanisms to ensure protection against cyber-attacks.

Alternative drive and traction systems and Green on Track
In the area of sustainability TÜV SÜD helps manufacturers and operators to comply with increasingly strict regulatory requirements. The experts accompany the design and development of alternative drive and traction systems and have contributed with their experience to various landmark pilot projects for the development of hydrogen and battery-powered trains or hybrid train solutions.

“Our track record of over 50 years in the rail industry and the multidisciplinary knowledge of the entire TÜV SÜD Group provide an excellent basis for accompanying innovative developments, from the initial idea to approval by the competent authorities”, emphasises Dr Webhofer. With Green on Track, TÜV SÜD presents a concept for integrated sustainability assessment of rail systems. Providing a comparison of various manufacturers and operators, Green on Track additionally enables objective benchmarking for assessing sustainability performance and improving ESG assessments.

The major trend of digitalisation also extends to the urban-rail sector. Here, the TÜV SÜD experts accompany the development and implementation of communication-based train control systems (CBTC), for new systems as well as for the upgrade of existing systems. In doing so, they draw on more than 20 years of experience in the support of automated metro rail systems, including the introduction of driverless underground trains in Nuremberg, Germany, or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

TÜV SÜD’s presence at InnoTrans is rounded off by extensive initial and continued training services for rail employees, including Training Operations Manager (TOM), a new training enabling selected employees from transport companies to get qualified as operations managers for metro rail systems. Information about TOM and other initial and continued trainings from TÜV SÜD for the rail industry can be found at the TÜV SÜD stand at InnoTrans or on the Internet at: tuvsud.com/tom-programme

Further information about TÜV SÜD’s services and solutions for the rail industry can be found at tuvsud.com/rail.