In the rail industry, thermal management is crucial to ensure the safety of personnel and the reliability of equipment… Railway environments, often subject to high thermal stresses, require efficient and appropriate cooling solutions. OberA, a specialist in industrial air treatment, offers innovative solutions to meet the specific requirements of the rail industry.
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Thermal challenges specific to the rail industry
In the rail industry, thermal problems are most prevalent in technical work environments such as maintenance workshops, depots, signaling cabins, electrical rooms, marshalling yards and transformer substations. These areas are often poorly ventilated, exposed to high summer heat or internal heat emissions (converters, electrical cabinets, static or loaded machines). Industrial companies are faced with a number of challenges:
Protecting teams in hot work areas
Operators and service technicians regularly work in confined areas, close to equipment generating high levels of heat. High ambient temperatures :
- Reduces alertness and concentration,
- Increases the risk of fatigue, errors or accidents,
- Slows down productivity, or even blocks certain operations.
The mobile air cooling solutions, such as OberA’s IC range, allow targeting critical areas by blowing cooler air directly onto workstations. Lightweight, mobile, and requiring no heavy installation, these systems offer immediate and localized thermal support, perfectly suited for railway environments.
Ensure the reliability of technical and electrical equipment
Beyond comfort, thermal stability is vital to the smooth operation of railway equipment. Electrical cabinets, signal bays, control stations and power converters are sensitive to temperature variations and peaks.
Overheating can lead to electronic failures, operating interruptions, reduced performance and even electrical fires. Cooling meets both operational and safety requirements.
Efficient cooling of such equipment relies on targeted, adaptable solutions, including industrial air coolers capable of operating without compressors or refrigerants, with minimal energy consumption. OberA models, in particular, ensure good air circulation thanks to their powerful integrated fan and water evaporation cooling system, thus limiting hot spots around critical equipment.
Maintain business continuity in extreme conditions
Railway sites are subject to extreme climatic conditions, particularly in summer or in regions with wide temperature ranges. Some depots or maintenance areas are neither air-conditioned nor equipped with permanent ventilation. Heat can therefore have an impact on :
- Maintenance operations on rolling stock,
- Operation of assembly or control lines,
- Fixed power supply and control systems.
In this context, mobile cooling systems offer great flexibility of use: they can be deployed on an ad hoc basis in a constrained area, moved from one site to another, or used in the event of central air-conditioning failure. It’s a robust solution, quick to deploy and long-lasting.
Overview of cooling solutions
Finding the right response to thermal challenges
The cooling solutions offered by OberA, and in particular the IC range, provide the right answer to the requirements of the rail industry. Their efficiency, mobility and low energy consumption make them a wise choice for professionals in the rail industry.
Operation of evaporative air coolers (adiabatic coolers)
OberA’s IC range of mobile air coolers use the principle of evaporation to lower air temperature. This technology, also known as adiabatic cooling, is particularly effective in industrial environments.
There are many advantages:
- Mobility: easy to move as needed;
- Energy efficiency: reduced power consumption ;
- Simple installation: no major work required.
What about on-board air conditioning systems?
The air-conditioning systems integrated into trains and streetcars are designed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicles. They require regular maintenance and special attention toenergy efficiency. In open or partially open spaces such as workshops, depots or technical stations, adiabatic coolers are particularly recommended. They provide immediate cooling without the need for major work or installation, and cost 15 times less to run than traditional air-conditioning systems.
A word from the expert: evaporative coolers are also a more environmentally-friendly alternative. They use no harmful refrigerant like air conditioners. Their electricity consumption is 10 times lower than that of an air conditioner.
Cooling sensitive equipment
Control cabinets and other critical electronic equipment require constant cooling to operate optimally. Specific solutions, such as industrial fans and localized cooling systems, are used to maintain the right temperature.
Why choose a system adapted to the rail industry?
- Increased reliability: fewer failures due to overheating ;
- Extended service life: equipment operates under optimum conditions;
- Improved comfort: for staff ;
- Energy efficiency: reduced consumption, lower environmental impact.
How to choose the right rail cooling system
The 4 OberA tips
The OberA teams, specialists in industrial air treatment, recommend an approach based on performance, ease of use and adaptability to field conditions.
The first step is to correctly size the cooling capacity. This involves taking into account the volume to be treated, internal heat sources (electrical equipment, machinery) and ventilation or sun exposure conditions.
Simplicity of installation is also essential, especially in environments where every technical stop has an impact on productivity. A mobile cooler can be installed quickly, without the need for complex work or connections, and is easy to move from one area to another.
Systems must also meet the requirements of the rail industry: robustness, resistance to dust, humidity or thermal variations. Good equipment must be able to operate without interruption, even in degraded conditions.
Finally, energy efficiency and ease of maintenance are decisive assets. OberA adiabatic coolers consume little energy, require no refrigerant gas and are easy to maintain with regular cleaning.
To remember when choosing your cooling system:
- Dimension cooling capacity according to volume and heat sources;
- Choose mobile systems that are easy to install and move;
- Check robustness and compliance with railway conditions (dust, humidity, shocks);
- Opt for energy-efficient, greenhouse gas-free equipment;
- Choose a low-maintenance solution to guarantee business continuity.
OberA solutions: expertise, performance and mobility
OberA offers a range of mobile air coolers: the IC range. Designed to meet the needs of demanding industrial environments, this equipment offers an efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly cooling solution.
Features of the IC range :
- Available models: IC 12, IC 22, IC 30 ;
- Air flow: up to 30,000 m³/h ;
- Power consumption: low, thanks to the absence of compressors;
- Mobility: wheeled design for easy movement;
- Quick installation: commissioning without major work;
- Equipped with Pureflow pre-filtration technology (improved performance and durability).
Comparison of solutions available on the market
| Criteria | OberA IC range | Conventional air conditioner | Industrial fans |
| Operating principle | Natural evaporation | Refrigerant gas compression | Air circulation |
| Power consumption | Low | High | Low |
| Installation | Simple, mobile | Complex, fixed | Simple, mobile |
| Cooling efficiency | High | Very high | Low |
| Environmental impact | Low | High | Low |
Not sure which solution is right for you? OberA puts its industrial expertise at your disposal to advise and test the most suitable cooling solution to your specific needs. Our teams accompany you from diagnosis to commissioning, guaranteeing performance and reliability on site. For greater flexibility, our mobile coolers are available for rental or purchase, depending on your operational constraints.
