BLUE WIRE Automated Catenary Heating Controls
BLUE WIRE is the only catenary wire heating system available for tram lines and light rail. Powered by the overhead wire itself, the heater is extremely lightweight, and is an excellent alternative to costly, labor-intensive manual and chemical de-icing methods. BLUE WIRE works with all overhead wire systems from 600 to 1500 V (special system for 15kV and 25kV).
Benefits include:
- Elimination of costly interruptions of revenue service due to the effect of ice/frost accumulation on the contact wire.
- Continuation of service in harsh conditions, as ice on the contact wire causes tramlines and light rails to lose power, and in extreme cases leads to the contact wire/catenary system being brought down.
- Increased durability and reliability, as arcing caused by the presence of ice leads to excessive wear to the pantograph conductors, all leading to traffic delays and service disruption.
- Saves time and effort from mechanical removal of ice, which requires manpower, is time consuming, and mechanically stresses the contact wire.
This automated heating system is a multi-layer design. It consists of an electrical insulated constant wattage heater surrounded by a heat transfer material.
The heating cable is secured to the contact wire with phosphor-bronze attachment clips to avoid galvanic corrosion. The heating cable is in a triangular shape. This makes it very easy to mount on top of the contact wire; the shape provides excellent thermal contact to the contact wire. It also makes the fastening clips easy to handle and very efficient to mount.
Stronger, More Resilient Light Rail—Catenary Heating Engineered for Harsh North American Winters
Manual de-icing—using expensive vehicles, maintenance crews, and harsh chemicals—is not just disruptive, its expensive, inefficient, and potentially a health or safety risk for workers. A BLUE WIRE system enables light rail operators to respond proactively, extend infrastructure life, and better manage operational, energy, and cost of ownership costs.
Much like the rail heating control system BLUE POINT, BLUE WIRE uses weather sensors and prediction to determine when to apply heat. The SCADA system can be viewed and controlled via a secure cloud service with automated alarms and a 24/7 call center or manually controlled locally at the controller.
BLUE WIRE works equally well for problem areas—or across an entire light rail system in more extreme climates. The ability to heat overhead wires is especially helpful in areas prone to ice formation, such as:
- Yards
- Bridges
- Entrance/exit tunnels
- Tracks close to water
BLUE WIRE requires fewer emergency interventions, reduces maintenance crews’ exposure to dangerous conditions, and enables safer, more reliable rail operations for workers and passengers. NIBE is here to help you implement the best autonomous catenary heating solution to keep your wires free of ice and snow, workers safe, and operations running smoothly.
