ChinaWith a frame made from carbon fiber composite material, the Cetrovo 1.0 passenger train is lighter, more fuel-efficient, reduces emissions and is also quieter.
China achieved a remarkable technological milestone with the world’s first passenger ship made entirely of carbon fiber. Named Cetrovo 1.0 or Carbon Star Rapid Transit, the train was just launched in Qingdao city, Shandong province, Interesting Engineering June 27 news.
According to Qingdao Sifang locomotive company, a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), Cetrovo 1.0 has completed factory testing and is expected to begin operations in Qingdao later this year. The new vehicle has major advantages over traditional steel trains, promising a smoother, greener and more efficient journey for passengers.
The Cetrovo 1.0’s frame is made from carbon fiber composite material. This material consists of microscopic fibers of carbon atoms interwoven together, creating a strong but also very light structure. Qingdao Sifang said the ship’s hull and frame are 25% and 50% lighter, respectively, than traditional ships. Thanks to that, the total weight of the ship is reduced by up to 11%.
This provides many benefits, including reduced energy consumption and reduced track wear. Qingdao Sifang estimates that the new train’s energy use is reduced by 7%, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by about 130 tons per year. This reduction is equivalent to planting more than 40 hectares of trees.
Cetrovo 1.0 is not only lighter, but also designed to increase efficiency and passenger comfort. The train has a maximum speed of 140 km/h, exceeding the current average speed of 80 km/h for Chinese passenger trains. This will result in faster travel, helping to reduce congestion in urban transport systems.
In addition, Cetrovo 1.0 is fully autonomous, requiring no driver. This not only increases operational efficiency but also paves the way for the development of autonomous train networks. Cetrovo 1.0 can operate in difficult conditions such as high temperatures and steep slopes, adapting to diverse geographical areas.
Passenger comfort is also emphasized in the new vehicle. Light weight helps reduce noise and vibration when the train is running, providing a smoother and quieter journey. In addition, the train also has smart safety features such as an anti-collision early warning system and an obstacle detection system that can automatically stop the train in an emergency.