Siemens to modernize the Fortress Funicular in Austria
above the roofs of Salzburg: Siemens to modernize the Fortress Funicular in Austria
The Siemens Industry Solutions Division has received an order from Salzburg AG to modernize the Salzburg Fortress Funicular. The object of the exercise is to increase the funicular’s carrying capacity and bring the technology up to state-of-the-art. Siemens will install new drive and automation equipment, as well as renew the signal transmission and video monitoring systems. The project is scheduled to be completed in March 2011.
The Salzburg Fortress Funicular is the oldest funicular railway in operation in Austria. It connects the old town of Salzburg with the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Two cars travel along the 200 meter route at a speed of 5.5 meters per second. In comparison to other funicular railways, this system is subject to heavy wear because of the high frequency of service and number of operating hours required to carry some 1.7 million passengers per annum. In order to continue to ensure uninterrupted operations in future, Salzburg AG has contracted Siemens to modify and modernize the cars to increase the system’s carrying capacity. The target is to raise the theoretical capacity from 1,600 to 1,850 passengers per hour in each direction, while maintaining the same turnaround time.
The Siemens Cable Mover Technology Business Unit, based in Innsbruck, Austria, and handling this modernization project, will supply an asynchronous three-phase motor and a Sinamics S150 frequency converter with a power of 200 kilowatts. The two cars will be controlled by Simatic S7 fail-safe, programmable logic controllers. The inductive signal transmission system, which is about 40 years old, will be replaced by a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) system. It will transmit control data from the station to the car in a fail-safe and redundant way. Two separate WLAN channels will ensure that the software can switch over without interruption in the event of a fault. The new WLAN system is compatible with the Simatic S7 controller, and can transmit an almost unlimited amount of data, such as that from video recordings. Siemens will also install three-color route lighting, renew the video monitoring systems in the stations and cars, and put in an automated information system that facilitates telephone calls and public announcements. The cars will also be fitted with air conditioning units.
As general contractor, Siemens is responsible for the engineering, assembly and commissioning of all the systems installed, and will offer a 24-hour service for the Salzburg Fortress Funicular. Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH is responsible for the running gear and mechanical components, while Carvatech will handle the cabin superstructure.
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 204,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2010 total sales of approximately €34.9 billion. http://www.siemens.com/industry
The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world’s leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 29,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.0 billion in fiscal year 2010. http://www.siemens.com/industry-solutions
