16. October 2024
10 years of partnership between ÖBB and Thies CLIMA: A look back at precision and reliability!
January, 2024 - 10 years of Thies CLIMA weather stations in the ÖBB measuring network: The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and the German company Thies CLIMA can look back on 10 years of partnership. Together they have expanded the meteorological measuring network of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG across the board, now with 33 automatic weather stations at particularly critical locations along the ÖBB rail network, with the latest station being installed at the Semmering Wolfsbergkogel site.
ÖBB has been operating a comprehensive weather warning system since 2005, which is used, among other things, for the early detection of natural hazards such as avalanches, debris flows and heavy rainfall events. The probability of these events can be predicted using models based on locally recorded weather data. In this way, the weather stations contribute to the early detection of hazards and help to ensure uninterrupted rail operations. After initially only operating so-called high mountain weather stations at alpine locations, an EU-wide tender for additional basic weather stations for installation in the immediate vicinity of the tracks and at particularly neuralgic points such as in front of tunnels and bridges followed in 2012. Thies CLIMA was awarded the contract by ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG with a bid that was convincing in terms of technology, quality and ultimately also price.
These basic weather stations are equipped with a comprehensive range of sensors, such as ultrasonic anemometers, sunshine duration sensors, pyranometers, snow depth sensors, hygro-thermo sensors, laser precipitation monitors, rain monitors, precipitation sensors and temperature sensors. The stations are also equipped with data loggers, a complete data management system and a comprehensive range of accessories. Thies CLIMA products are characterized by their precision, reliability and robustness. Seamless data compatibility with the existing network ensures that the data is provided reliably and quickly in the central database for further processing. Another component is the accompanying maintenance contract, which is implemented by Thies CLIMAʻs sister company, Thies Systems. This ensures continuous compliance with the high quality standards. The qualified team, trained in accordance with the employee protection standards specifically required in the railroad environment, maintains the existing network and implements the installation of new stations.
ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG strategically planned and designed the basic weather station network in detail in collaboration with meteorologists. The decision to implement this measuring network proved to be the right one back in 2013, when the country was hit by a devastating flood. Thanks to the weather data provided in real time, it was possible to close railroad lines in good time for safety reasons and prevent damage to people and vehicles. Since then, the weather station network has been systematically supplemented and expanded in a proven partnership.
Voices from the partnership:
Fö Ing. Herbert Kupka (Route Management and System Development, ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG): "Thies CLIMA has proven to be a reliable, future-proof and innovative partner."
Marc Hillebrecht (Export Manager, Thies CLIMA): "The long-standing cooperation with ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG fills us with pride. Supporting a measurement network over the years, both in terms of technology and service, is a valuable source of feedback for us."
The 10-year partnership between ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG and Thies CLIMA underlines a common business principle: long-term, secure planning and reliable partnership. Sounds old-fashioned - but it is still a promising recipe for successful projects.
ÖBB has been operating a comprehensive weather warning system since 2005, which is used, among other things, for the early detection of natural hazards such as avalanches, debris flows and heavy rainfall events. The probability of these events can be predicted using models based on locally recorded weather data. In this way, the weather stations contribute to the early detection of hazards and help to ensure uninterrupted rail operations. After initially only operating so-called high mountain weather stations at alpine locations, an EU-wide tender for additional basic weather stations for installation in the immediate vicinity of the tracks and at particularly neuralgic points such as in front of tunnels and bridges followed in 2012. Thies CLIMA was awarded the contract by ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG with a bid that was convincing in terms of technology, quality and ultimately also price.
These basic weather stations are equipped with a comprehensive range of sensors, such as ultrasonic anemometers, sunshine duration sensors, pyranometers, snow depth sensors, hygro-thermo sensors, laser precipitation monitors, rain monitors, precipitation sensors and temperature sensors. The stations are also equipped with data loggers, a complete data management system and a comprehensive range of accessories. Thies CLIMA products are characterized by their precision, reliability and robustness. Seamless data compatibility with the existing network ensures that the data is provided reliably and quickly in the central database for further processing. Another component is the accompanying maintenance contract, which is implemented by Thies CLIMAʻs sister company, Thies Systems. This ensures continuous compliance with the high quality standards. The qualified team, trained in accordance with the employee protection standards specifically required in the railroad environment, maintains the existing network and implements the installation of new stations.
ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG strategically planned and designed the basic weather station network in detail in collaboration with meteorologists. The decision to implement this measuring network proved to be the right one back in 2013, when the country was hit by a devastating flood. Thanks to the weather data provided in real time, it was possible to close railroad lines in good time for safety reasons and prevent damage to people and vehicles. Since then, the weather station network has been systematically supplemented and expanded in a proven partnership.
Voices from the partnership:
Fö Ing. Herbert Kupka (Route Management and System Development, ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG): "Thies CLIMA has proven to be a reliable, future-proof and innovative partner."
Marc Hillebrecht (Export Manager, Thies CLIMA): "The long-standing cooperation with ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG fills us with pride. Supporting a measurement network over the years, both in terms of technology and service, is a valuable source of feedback for us."
The 10-year partnership between ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG and Thies CLIMA underlines a common business principle: long-term, secure planning and reliable partnership. Sounds old-fashioned - but it is still a promising recipe for successful projects.