RailCab

The RailCab ( in German about rail taxi) is a research project at the University of Paderborn, which studies the use of linear motors for driving autonomous rail vehicles.

The concept is the use of the web from a wholesale passenger transport towards the individual transport, similar to the car - use are possible. Rather than allow large passenger trains transporting people, is a so-called Personal Rapid Transit concept ( PRT concept ) can be applied, that is, individual and self -propelled single cabins transport the rail users. The control is effected automatically via computer technology combined with GPS positioning. Similar in a meshed network the individual traveler to be transported as close to its starting point the way to their destination. The goal is not to achieve maximum time willing, but to reduce the average travel time significantly. This is accomplished by no longer necessary and by transfer starting point and destination is reached as closely as possible by a single cabin.

The mobile single cabins are located on the modern control technology and the GPS location automatically and independently, even in the current passenger transport, looking for the fastest way to your destination. The temporary failure or blockage of major arteries does not lead to complete transport stop when this concept.

Similar to the Transrapid vehicles are driven by wear-free and maintenance-free linear motors. Unlike the Transrapid, however, the vehicles should not float on a magnetic field, but are supported by wheel and rail. The concept can thus be achieved by retrofitting existing routes.

The vehicles can be configured differently depending on demand. For example, large-capacity modules are intended for local transport, which can accommodate 20 people. Goods modules or special car for 40 -foot containers are provided as well, so it can also be about freight handled.

The vehicles can be ordered via a telecommunications or Internet and configured to meet the transportation requirements, such as air conditioning equipment for a ride to a business meeting with the required infrastructure. The car small units of private stay. There are neither large stations, nor fixed timetables, nor prescribed routes. An essential element of the concept is that the vehicles meet for about 10 people on higher volume routes of the network and make contactless convoys. This reduces drag and saves energy. Electronic spacers and autonomous control computer ensure the smooth transport over arbitrary distances. Course the conventional type but must be replaced with rigid branches. A sensor-controlled tracking system, supported by the Feder-/Neigetechnik, allows the steerable vehicles veering from the convoy at full speed. The inventory tracks must be out with new passive crossovers außgerüstet with a centrally positioned linear motor. It is working on concepts for mixed operation with the existing rail traffic.

Currently, a test track, on which the technique is examined on a scale of 1:2.5 (51 ° 42 ' 19 " N, 8 ° 46 ' 4" O51.7053055555568.7676944444444 ) exists.

There are considerations to set up a test track on the grinding Kottenheim web. The grinding Kotte railway branches in Oberbrügge on the Volmetal path toward Halver. The passenger on the train Wuppertal was set in 1964. The section between Oberbrügge and Halver this railway line is referred to as grinding Kotte railway.

A project that also has individual traffic on rails to the goal, but exclusively for freight, CargoCap.