According to Dr. Wolfgang Reuter, the need to reduce energy consumption in air-conditioning systems is a big driver of change. “Employing batteries to generate heat is inefficient, which is why heat pumps are increasingly being used. What is more, new technologies make it possible to use fuel cell-generated heat to regulate the temperature in passenger compartments“, said the chairman of Konvekta AG, a company which manufactures heating and air-conditioning systems as well as heat pumps for utility and rail vehicles.

Vehicles on urban public transport whose doors open and close at frequent intervals place especially high demands on air-conditioning and heat pumps. Passenger comfort needs are growing all the time too. “On trains and buses the health and well-being of passengers is very important. To ensure that, we employ complex electronic temperature control systems which take numerous climate-relevant parameters into account.“

Air-conditioning systems can also help to achieve climate targets by using CO2 for example, a natural coolant. “It is non-flammable, cheap, thermodynamically efficient and has a lower environmental impact than chemical coolants. This year, Konvekta AG is bringing the world’s first CO2 heat pump for trams to market.

Lastly, Dr. Reuter emphasised that air-conditioning systems have made a significant impact during the pandemic by ensuring good ventilation and low aerosol concentrations in passenger compartments. Sensors regulate the air quality according to the number of passengers on board.

“Besides clean air, an all-round service and travel comfort on board trains is important, which is why InnoTrans has its own Travel Catering & Comfort Services (TCCS) themed segment“, InnoTrans director Kerstin Schulz added. Everything revolves around passengers there, from quality food and drink to hygiene articles and sleeping compartments. At InnoTrans, a TCCS-themed route will highlight the exhibitors taking part. Footprint markings on the hall floor, the InnoTrans App and a flyer describing the route will show visitors the way around.

You can find all the episodes of the InnoTrans Podcast here. Additional information on these episodes is available on our social media channels (LinkedIn, and on Twitter under @InnoTrans) as well as in our InnoTrans blog.

The next episode of the InnoTrans Podcast will be aired on 15 March 2022.

About InnoTrans

InnoTrans is the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology and takes place every two years in Berlin. At the last event 3,062 exhibitors from 61 countries presented the global rail industry’s innovations to 153,421 trade visitors who came from 149 countries. The five segments at InnoTrans are Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. InnoTrans is organised by Messe Berlin. The thirteenth edition of InnoTrans will take place on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from 20 to 23 September 2022. More details are available online at www.innotrans.com.