Kumho has developed a TPMS for light rail vehicles
Kumho Tire has developed a tire pressure monitoring module (TPMSF) specifically designed for automated guideway transit (AGT) systems, which has begun operation on the ULINE light rail line in Uijeongbu, South Korea.
The definition of AGT includes small railway systems that often connect urban and suburban areas. Compared to subways, AGT requires less funding and time to build, and the use of tires reduces noise and vibration, making it an attractive option for urban environments.
Starting in April 2024, Kumho, in collaboration with the Korean Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) and CoaChips, with the support of the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has been developing sensor modules and receiving devices for monitoring the condition of tires used in AGT. The new system has already undergone testing on routes in real-world conditions and has been certified for operation.
According to Kumho, the new technology reduces the number of tire-related incidents, optimizes tire replacement schedules, and minimizes the need for visual inspections, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of transportation systems. The sensor module is installed inside the wheel and transmits data on pressure and temperature to the receiving device in real-time, which analyzes the information and can predict potential problems in advance, reducing the need for maintenance and increasing safety. The company also emphasizes that the module operates stably even under vibration and extreme temperatures that occur during movement.
"The mobility industry is changing rapidly, which is why we have focused on developing intelligent systems based on artificial intelligence technologies," said Kim Yeon-jin, Executive Vice President and Head of the Research Department at Kumho, adding that whereas TMPS were previously installed on buses, for example, they will now be used on rail transport as well.
Since the new system has proven its effectiveness in Uijeongbu, the company now intends to begin operating it on other routes in Korea and abroad in cooperation with transportation organizations.
Photo: ulrt.co.kr