ARIIS Rail Inspection Vehicle

Future Maintenance Technologies engaged an elite team of engineers and technicians to design and build a prototype of an ARIIS towed rail inspection vehicle for the Dubai Metro rail system.  Sunsark provided the electrical engineering for this project.  In keeping with the highly innovative ARIIS concept, Sunsark introduced the following electrical engineering innovations :

1. Electrical Computer Aided Design (eCAD)

Sunsark utilized a state-of-the-art eCAD tool to streamline the electrical design, manufacturing, and testing processes of the ARIIS vehicle. This tool helped the team to complete the project in an extraordinarily short timeframe by enabling rapid electrical design, producing high-quality wiring diagrams, electrical label lists and wiring reports for installation and testing.

2. Under-Voltage Release for Battery Safety

An under-voltage release device was integrated into the ARIIS main battery circuit breaker to automatically disconnect DC loads in cases of low battery voltage or isolation.  This device provides several advantages over traditional methods:

• Simplifies and improves the resilience of power system shutdown and isolation.

• Reduces power consumption by eliminating the current draw of a traditional battery contactor coil.

• Operates automatically without relying on a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), eliminating the need for a second power source for the PLC and ensuring safe battery shutdown.

3. Solid-State Relays for Low-Current Switching

Sunsark incorporated new rail-standard, solid-state relays for switching small loads.  Solid-state relay technology provides:

• Reduced equipment size and weight compared to traditional electro-magnetic relays.

• Elimination of relay coil currents, meaning lower power consumption and less waste heat.

These electrical design innovations improved efficiency and safety, while honouring our goal of leveraging cutting-edge technology in engineering solutions.

eCAD Wiring Diagram