Current measuring transducers for rolling stock gain in importance

As electric transport continues to gain traction, accurate energy measurements become increasingly crucial for optimising energy distribution in the grid. Elscolab, a distributor of measurement, control, and laboratory equipment, seeks to address key challenges shaping the industry.

Through its partnership with German interface technology and process analytic group Knick, the firm offers a number of solutions that are helping to accelerate the shift towards electric transport. With the exclusive license to distribute Knick products in the Benelux region, Elscolab has helped introduce crucial technologies such as Knick's EN 50463-approved voltage and current measuring transducers for rolling stock.

"Accurate energy measurements in electric transport are important to optimise the distribution of energy in the grid," Roy Boeren of Elscolab tells RailTech, "Specifically for measuring electrical parameters such as voltage, current, resistance, loadcell, thermocouple and pulse frequencies."

With accurate, robust and reliable high-voltage signals, these units streamline downstream processes during traction power supply in substations or for current and voltage measurement, signal isolation and conversion on rolling stock at all times without interference. These special converters can be used at operating voltages up to 4800 VAC/DC, and isolation voltages up to 20 kV AC.

As the rail industry embraces digitalisation, there is a growing demand for seamless connectivity and data exchange between various systems and solutions, such as the P16800 Speed Signal Doubler, facilitate the connection of various encoders to different control systems, ensuring accurate and reliable communication between critical components (SIL 2/4). This enhanced connectivity also enables railway operators to make more informed decisions and optimise overall performance.

Further innovation was introduced last year with the launch of the P41000 AG Two-in-One Nominal Current and Overcurrent Measurement transducer, enabling condition-based maintenance and early detection of safety-critical surge events. By integrating automation into measurement and control processes, Elscolab also helps railway operators streamline operations and reduce the risk of accidents.

Elscolab embracing key trends in the rail industry and providing state-of-the-art solutions is evident in its extensive activities across Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France since 1982.

Interested in the work Elscolab carries out? Come and meet them on the exhibition floor of RailTech Belgium 2023 on June 7 in Brussels. The exhibition if free of charge, but you do need to register. Want to learn more about the rail infrastructure sector in Belgium? Sign up for our in-depth conferences that day.