London Underground prepares power supplies for 2012 Olympics

The London Underground prepares for the 2012 Olympics with new power supplies

The London Underground Central Line ensures its reliability for the 2012 London Olympics by upgrading electronic component systems together with two Finnish companies. The power supply expertise of Powernet Oy complemented the overall solution implemented by EKE-Electronics Ltd.

The Finnish power source electronics supplier Powernet Oy has delivered new power supplies to London Underground's Central Line, improving its operational efficiency. The Central Line is London's longest Underground line, providing transportation for over 180 million passengers each year. The Underground system will play a key role in the logistics of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Millions of visitors will attend the games, and their mobility must be ensured throughout the event.

The original power supplies, integrated into the EKE-Trainnet train information system in the early 1990s, worked without a glitch. However, the theoretical lifespan of a power supply is approximately 20 years, as the electronic capacitor components gradually dry up, and their functionality begins to deteriorate.

At the turn of 2010/2011, a total of 3600 new Finnish-made power supplies were delivered.. The power supplies are designed using modern components while simultaneously making sure that they fit existing mechanics and are fully compatible with the system platform.

The new power supplies delivered by Powernet are expected to last until the 2030s, without any maintenance effort required. The Central Line's EKE-Trainnet train information system includes 175 train computers, 175 coach computers, over 5,000 intelligent I/O modules, and approximately 1,000 interface units to other systems inside the trains.

'The project was demanding, and subcontractors needed to put in their best performance. The project environment presented greater-than-average challenges as eg. vibrations are present constantly. Temperatures also vary significantly, which tests the power supply components. This is why our decision was to cooperate with Powernet and choose power source solutions of exceptionally high quality and with first-class materials', says Mika Linden, Managing Director of EKE-Electronics Ltd.

'We are proud to be able to provide EKE-Electronics Ltd. and the London Underground with unequalled power source expertise', says Eero Kaasalainen, Sales Manager at Powernet Oy.

Powernet Oy

Powernet Oy, a Finnish company established in 1992 and a trusted supplier of high-efficient, high-reliability power supplies and converters in global markets. Powernet's key customer segments include applications for renewable energy, transportation and the specific needs of various industries. Powernet's success is based on extensive R&D combined with strong sourcing and manufacturing competence. Our factory for prototypes, manufacturing ramp-up, low and medium volume production is located in Äänekoski, Finland. Our partners in Europe and Asia are used fro high volume production. Powernet's quality system is assessed and certified as meeting the requirements of ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards.

EKE-Electronics Ltd.

EKE-Electronics Ltd. is a world leader in the delivery of integrated, intelligent IP-based train systems, and a pioneer in bringing train system bus technology to the IP era. EKE-Electronics Ltd. designs, develops and manufactures monitoring, information and data transfer systems that improve train safety, enhance the comfort of travellers, and increase the efficiency of transportation. Our EKE-Trainnet products cover train management and communication systems, buses, recording, displays, and all intelligent solutions that make trains more comfortable for passengers and more profitable for transportation service providers.

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