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08.01.2008 
The teamwork of two inventors led to a revolution in drive systems
for trains. Andreas Joeckel of Nuremberg and his colleague Martin Teichmann
of Graz, Austria, developed a bogie concept that combines drive,
running gear, and brake technologies. Their innovation also eliminates
components that generate noise and are particularly subject to wear and
tear, such as gearboxes. Moreover, the compact drive system is 20 percent
more energy-efficient than its predecessor. A four-car subway train using
the bogie, for example, can transport about 200 more passengers than
a conventionally equipped train, with the same level of energy consumption.
The energy saved would be enough to supply 113 single-family homes with
electricity.
Joeckel’s idea was to build the motor around the axis.
Teichmann’s contribution was to integrate the system into train drives.
A prototype is already being tested in the Munich subway system.
The new drive concept is also suitable for long distance trains and high
speed trains.
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