Our depot doors save energy

As Deutsche Bahn, we want to protect the climate and resources. Energy efficiency is an important lever here. In our Group Green Rail Technology program, we are therefore developing innovative solutions to increase the productivity of our facilities and automate our processes. For example, we are converting the doors of our maintenance depots to smart locking technology.

Saving heating energy automatically

The automatic opening and closing of the depot doors works with modern laser technology: a sensor detects the incoming and outgoing trains inside and outside the depot hall. If a train is detected, the depot door opens automatically and remains open while the train passes through. Once the train has passed through the gate, it closes again automatically after a short time. If forklifts and cargo bikes pass in front of the depot entrance, they are detected as cross-traffic and the gates remain closed.

The new locking technology has several advantages: In winter, we reduce heat loss and save heating energy. Thanks to the optimized opening times of the doors, it stays warm inside for longer and the depot hall does not cool down as quickly. Up to 15 percent energy can be saved per year thanks to the conversion. It also makes our work processes more efficient - because our vehicle dispatchers no longer have to actively operate the depot doors themselves. And unwanted visitors such as pigeons or mice are less likely to find a way into the plant. This keeps the halls clean and reduces the amount of cleaning required.

DB Regio has already converted the first depots to smart locking technology. These include, for example, the depot doors at the Munich-Pasing, Münster and Frankfurt am Main (S-Bahn) plants. Further locations are already being planned.

At the same time, there will still be depot doors in the future where it is not worth upgrading to an automatic control system. This may be since they are only opened very rarely, for example, or due to operational reasons.

Regional train leaving the maintenance workshop
A sensor detects incoming and outgoing trains and controls the automatic closing technology of the hall doors.
A red train stands on tracks in the hall of a maintenance depot, the hall doors close behind it.
Up to 15 percent energy can be saved per year by retrofitting the doors.
Closed hall door of a DB Regio maintenance depot
Cross-traffic such as forklifts is automatically detected and the door remains closed.