Rail Technology

As a global innovator in rail technology, Bombardier is keen to ensure that both passengers and the community experience minimal sound disruption as a result of rail travel. EcoSilent Optimised Sound Design optimises the acoustic environment and forms part of the BOMBARDIER* ECO4* product range.

The Climate is Right for TrainsOur products and services combine energy-conservingtechnology with optimal safety, reliability and cost efficiency,which add value for our customers whilst protecting theenvironment for future generations.

ECO4 – energy, efficiency, economy and ecologyAddressing the growing challenges among operators toreduce Energy consumption, improve Efficiency, protectthe Ecology while making sense Economically, ECO4 isthe concrete validation of Bombardier’s declaration –The Climate is Right for Trains*.

EcoSilent Optimised Sound Design

EcoActive Technologies

EcoSilent – The quietest way to save the planetLower noise emission values are encouraged as a result of European and National legislation and realised as part of Bombardier's corporate social responsibility and commitment to protecting the environment.

Bombardier has developed its EcoSilent technologies to ensure that each product minimises noise emissions. This is achieved through close cooperation with each customer to meet specific demands.

For example, noise contribution from electrical equipment and cooling systems is minimised through systematic noise control management and the use of low noise systems and components.

Wheels are optimised in terms of shape incorporating smooth running surfaces and are fitted with noise absorbers. In addition, bogie skirts have a positive effect especially if combined with low trackside barriers. Aeroacoustic calculations for exterior sound field of a high speed train

Close-up of image from microphone array showing the difference in noise emission between a train with bogie skirt (below) and without (above)

Sound Quality for Enhanced Passenger ComfortAcoustic design for the interior of a train is complex and multi-faceted. Bombardier’s EcoSilent solutions provide maximum comfort for passengers, applying a sophisticated interpretation that takes a broader perspective than a single dB(A) value as the noise indicator. For example, an extremely low background sound level can aggravate the effects of unwanted sound disturbance from further afield. A dB(A)-value taken in isolation does not contain any information on the character of the sound, which strongly affects the sound quality experienced.

Bombardier addresses passengers’ needs in relation to the acoustic environment – taking into consideration the need for both private and social areas within the train, the need for conversations with adjacent passengers and audibility of loudspeaker announcements, in addition to suppression of single, disturbing tones.

With the EcoSilent sound studio concept, Bombardier involves train passengers in the process, encouraging them to listen to and evaluate the train sounds in advance, to appreciate how different design options influence the acoustic experience. A synthesised ambient sound is auralised and the effect on privacy and speech intelligibility is demonstrated for different scenarios.

Bombardier has brought its in-depth expert knowledge about the interacting sound sources and their transmission paths into the development of the EcoSilent sound studio. It contains an advanced synthesisation and sound reproduction system. With this model, we achieve a balance between the noise sources, emphasising the “good” ones in order to mask the “bad” ones, fine-tuning the acoustic ambience by design elements such as integrated absorbents, resonators, reflectors and intelligent material.

EcoSilent – Interior Sound Quality features• Uses sound as an element to enhance passenger

comfort• Achieves balance between privacy and conservation

with neighbouring passengers • Creates relaxing blend of source characteristics in

sound design studios• Design Solutions - Optimised acoustic comfort for passengers - Increased attractiveness for trains as transportation mode - Room-in-room concept for low interior noise - Sound quality package for passenger compartments

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*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Bombardier TransportationAm Rathenaupark16761 Hennigsdorf, Germany

Tel +49 3302 89 0Fax +49 3302 89 2088

www.bombardier.com

EcoSilent Optimised Sound Design EcoActive Technologies

Design for Acoustics The success of EcoSilent comes from Bombardier Transportation's Acoustics and Vibration Center of Competence. It acts as a catalyst by providing a wide range of experimental and numerical state-of-the-art tools, outstanding expertise and profound acoustic technology coordination in all projects worldwide. The culture of continuous learning and cross-functional, international collaboration is the driver for on-going improvement.

EcoSilent—Exterior Noise Reduction features• Limits noise levels and promotes expansion of railway

infrastructure and rail as a preferred mode of transportation

• Anticipates future legal requirements for further noise reduction

• Based on profound train/track and system knowledge to meet acoustic requirements

• Advanced toolbox to select most efficient low noise design solutions

- Cooling systems including fans and ducts - Electric traction with low tonality - Wheels of special design - High speed trains with aero-acoustically optimised shape - Low noise bogies and bogie skirts