The latest innovation in China's high-speed rail system has entered the realm of operation with the launch of the upgraded CR400BF-BS model of the Fuxing intelligent trainCapable of reaching extraordinary speeds of up to 350 km/h (approximately 217 mph), this next-generation train represents a significant technological achievement developed independently by ChinaThe design enhancements focus on optimizing equipment integration and layout, leading to a transformation of the train's internal architectureOne of the noteworthy changes involves relocating certain electrical components from the cabin to underneath the train, which has allowed for an increase in the number of economy class seating rows from 18 to 19, raising the total passenger capacity to an impressive 1,347 without compromising existing passenger space.

This evolution of rail technology is underscored by the ongoing dedication and efforts of the Chinese high-speed train development institutions, which have diligently honed their focus on key technologies, streamlined their research and development (R&D) framework, and propelled continuous product innovationRecently, CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. announced a groundbreaking milestone with the unveiling of China’s first high-speed internal bogieThis novel approach shifts critical components of the bogie—including axle box, frame, and primary suspension—from the outer side of the wheels to the inner sideThis alteration marks another leap forward in enhancing the core components of high-speed rail.

According to Zhou Dianmai, the chief technical expert at CRRC, the internal bogie configuration is a significant advancement when compared to traditional external bogiesThe new design results in a weight reduction of approximately 20%, which in turn cuts energy consumption during operation by 15%. Additionally, wear on wheels and tracks is reduced by about 30%, while noise generated from rail contact decreases by around 2 decibels

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Overall, these advancements are projected to cut maintenance costs for both track and bogie systems by 15% throughout their lifecycle, making them more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

In recent years, the Fuxing high-speed train has emerged as a paragon of silence, spaciousness, and convenienceNot only has it achieved world-leading standards in operational speed, safety, and comfort, but it has also made considerable strides in the area of smart technologyFor instance, during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, 5G ultra-high-definition broadcasting signals were transmitted from the newly launched Olympic edition of the Fuxing train operating on the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed lineLiu Zhiyuan, the technical manager for the CR400BF model, explained that this new variant retains all the standard features of the original Fuxing intelligent trains, while adding cutting-edge smart driving capabilitiesIt not only automates operations such as station departures, interstation travel, on-board stops, and door controls but is also a pioneer with its ability to autonomously drive at a speed of 350km/hThis innovative train incorporates power battery technology and driver-assist systems, taking advantage of BeiDou satellite navigation and a gigabit ethernet of optimized onboard internet facilities.

The smart technology of high-speed trains is not confined to operations alone; it equally manifests itself in the production and assembly phasesAt the CRRC manufacturing facility for high-speed trains in Changchun, Jilin Province, reporters observed teams assembling trains like the Harmony and Fuxing modelsOnce assembled, these trains are dispatched to various locations across the country.

Jiang Wentao, the deputy head of the engineering technology department at CRRC Changke, elaborated on the shifts towards a digital manufacturing process. “We developed a structured process document module, effectively upgrading offline operating guides to become electronic documents within our systems,” he noted

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