Since commencing operations in 2006, the Turin Metro has established itself as Italy’s pioneering fully automated metro system and a benchmark for state-of-the-art urban mobility. It delivers driverless service, short headways, and energy-optimised performance with a fleet of Siemens-delivered VAL 208 trains designed to carry a maximum of 440 passengers. The trains operate at a top speed of 80 km/h on a 750 V DC supply and employ rubber wheels to achieve high acceleration with minimal vibration, with each wheel equipped with traction and electrical braking systems.
In underground metro systems, trains constitute a significant fire risk due to thermal stresses in braking systems during deceleration, mechanical wear from frequent stop-start operations, and the presence of high-voltage traction power supplies. These hazards are particularly relevant for Siemens VAL 208 trains, which employ IGBT-based traction converters and brushless DC motors. While these technologies deliver high efficiency and reliable performance, their high voltage switching and associated thermal loads under heavy operating conditions increase the potential for fire incidents, requiring careful monitoring.
Traditional point-based smoke or heat detectors in metro stations are not suitable for this type of fire monitoring, as they cannot provide complete coverage near the tracks, where fire risks are elevated due to braking systems, traction equipment, and frequent train movements. In late 2024, the Turin Metro end user identified the need to replace legacy third-party LHD systems that had been in service for over a decade. The project scope included evaluating alternative LHD solutions, reviewing system specifications, and deploying a reliable replacement to ensure continuous fire monitoring and uninterrupted operational continuity.
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