VUZ test centre Velim
Výzkumný Ústav Železniční, a.s. (VUZ) operates unique testing and technology facilities at the VUZ Test Centre in Velim. The main part of the test centre consists of two test circuits and a large auxiliary yard.
Large test circuit (LTC)
- total track length 13.276 km
- straight section 2 x 1.979 km
- R = 1,400 m 2 x 4.136 km
- zero slope section length 9.144 km
- maximum cant 150 mm
- transition curve length 0.261 km
- weight per axle 25 t
- maximum speed 200 km/h, 230 km/h subject to prior approval
Small test circuit (STC)
- total track length 3.951 km
- straight section 0.645 km
- R = 800 m 0.591 km
- R = 600 m 0.499 km
- R = 450 m 0.859 km
- R = 300 m 0.507 km
- weight per axle 25 t
- R = 800 m and R = 600 m maximum speed 115 km/h
- R = 450 m and straight direction maximum speed 100 km/h
- R = 300 m maximum speed 80 km/h
- Noise tests at the large test circuit section that complies with the TSI noise requirements
- ERTMS (ETCS, GSM-R) tests
- Simulation of power supply changes and defects including simulation of potential traction power supply defects and measurement of traction vehicle response
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measurement on a specially equipped part of the large test circuit
Auxiliary yard
The auxiliary yard is used for the purpose of rolling stock parking in time when tests are not being carried out and performance of stationary tests using power supply from the catenary system, or from the 3 x 400 V / 32 A and 63 A power supply stands. It is also possible to use two high-voltage preheating stands that enable vehicles to be supplied with various combinations of catenary systems by means of a heating cable. The auxiliary yard is covered by a high-speed Wi-Fi data connection. It includes a track with a R = 150 m curve and two reverse curves (S-curves).
Test preparation halls
The test preparation halls (HPZ) can be used for the purpose of test preparation, installation of measuring equipment, checks of the technical condition of the vehicles under test, electrical and mechanical adjustments, component replacement and other similar activities. All the halls are covered by a high-speed Wi-Fi data connection.
- There are four separate halls available:
- HPZ I – length 120 m, 2 tracks, weight per axle 25 t, 111 m inspection pit, footbridges allowing access to the vehicle roof, safety system protecting against fall, compressed air and power supply distribution system, offices, storage areas
- HPZ II – length 200 m, 2 tracks, weight per axle 25 t, 135 m inspection pit, footbridges allowing access to the vehicle roof, compressed air and power supply distribution system, 5 t crane, lifting jacks, offices, storage areas, meeting room
- HPZ III – length 60 m, 2 tracks; the hall is used mainly for the purpose of parking of locomotives and VUZ measuring wagons and test preparation
- HPZ IV – length 22 m, 1 track, power supply distribution system, client facilities and offices
Traction power supply systems
The VUZ Test Centre Velim has its own power supply station including all major European power supply systems. Both the large and small test circuits as well as a part of the auxiliary yard are electrified; they can be supplied separately, thanks to which required combinations of traction systems are enabled.
- regulation from 1.8 kV to 4.0 kV
- output 10 MW
- maximum overload 150% for the period of 2 hours
- recuperation – YES, on request
- constant current
- large test circuit 3,300 A
- small test circuit 1,100 A
- auxiliary yard 500 A
- regulation from 0.4 kV to 2.0 kV
- output 5 MW
- maximum overload 150% for the period of 2 hours
- recuperation – YES, on request
- constant current
- large test circuit 3,300 A
- small test circuit 1,100 A
- auxiliary yard 500 A
- voltage regulation from 0.4 kV to 1.8 kV
- output 5 MW
- recuperation – YES, on request
- constant current
- large test circuit 3,300 A
- small test circuit 1,100 A
- auxiliary yard 500 A
- regulation from 17.0 kV to 29.5 kV
- output 10 MW
- recuperation – YES
- constant current 400 A
- regulation from 1.2 kV to 18 kV
- output 9 MW
- recuperation – YES
- constant current 560 A
ETCS system
The ETCS testing site operated within the VUZ Test Centre Velim is a unique facility in the Czech Republic. The large test circle and the test centre are also covered by GSM-R signal. The VUZ facility uses the installed electronic interlocking technology with real detection means and two radio blocks (RBCs) in combination with track elements (fixed and switchable balises), and thus enables performance of specific customer OBU ETCS integration tests or legally defined ETCS tests, such as ESC tests pursuant to CCS TSI.
- ETCS L0 (entire VZO) with a maximum speed of 200 km/h
- ETCS L1 (km 6 - km 0.5) travel in the even direction with a maximum speed of 160 km/h
- ETCS L2 (entire VZO) travel in both directions with a maximum speed of 200 km/h
- ETCS L0/L2 (L0: km 7 – km 1.5; L2: km 1.5 – km 7) travel in the even direction with a maximum speed of 160 km/h
- ETCS L1/L2 (L1: km 7 – km 1.5; L2: km 1.5 – km 7) travel in the even direction with a maximum speed of 160 km/h
Instaled technology
- detection means technology (PCN AzF Frauscher, 26 track sections in total)
- electronic station signalling equipment providing information intended for ETCS purposes only (with no responsibility for traffic safety at the test centre)
- it is possible to set up simulated statuses of the technology (such as occupation of PCN sections, changes in switch positions, symbols on signal devices, etc.)
- 2 RBCs according to Baseline 2 (specification version 2.3.0d)
- Siemens S21 and LEU Thales balises according to Baseline 2
Dynamic Test Laboratory
VUZ Test Centre Velim includes a unique facility for static and dynamic component testing, the Dynamic Test Laboratory. More about the Dynamic Test Laboratory
VUZ Test Centre Velim service portfolio
- rental of the large test circuit (LTC) in motor and electric traction including the ETCS equipment activation option
- rental of the small test circuit (STC) in motor and electric traction
- track for stationary tests with traction power supply
- track for stationary tests with 3 x 400 V power supply
- reverse curves (S-curves)
- rental of locomotives for driving tests and shunting
- rental of measuring wagons
- qualified Czech, English and German speaking drivers
- rental of halls for test preparation
- auxiliary yard capacity for rolling stock parking in time when tests are not carried out
- rental of load including loading and unloading
- option to use a crane, jacks and handling equipment
- rental of offices, meeting rooms and storage areas
- fuel (diesel, AD Blue) supply for motor vehicles
- we can arrange wheelset re-profiling including transport from/to the VUZ Test Centrem Velim
- we can arrange rolling stock initial inspection before the test drive permit is obtained
- other services based on specific customer requirements