Lightweight seats for public passenger trains

AI Quick Summary

The project aims to promote energy efficiency and innovation in local, regional and long-distance public transport. It aims to demonstrate that novel seats for trains can be both lightweight and comfortable, contribute to significant energy savings and CO2 eq reductions, and be offered at a competitive total life cycle cost compared to conventional seats available on the market. Problem Passenger seats account for up to 10% of the weight of today's trains. At first glance, this may not seem significant. However, for a 9-car Intercity train, it represents 30 tons of weight which needs to be transported through Switzerland every day. Lighter seating systems could contribute to significant energy savings and CO2 eq. reductions, but are quickly associated by passengers with quality compromises in ride comfort. A systemic problem in the procurement of public rail vehicles has hindered so far innovative seating solutions. Rail operators are reluctant to take risks on ride comfort, while train manufacturers and suppliers are bound by tender criteria. There is no pressure from either side to innovate, which in turn inhibits investment incentives for new seat developments. Solution A feasibility study can help break down this system-related innovation problem. By demonstrating the possibilities and feasibility of lighter-weight seating systems, rail operators can create new tendering criteria and rail manufacturers and suppliers can be incentivized to innovate.Through innovative material selection and novel, intelligent design, passenger seats on trains could be up to 50% lighter and reduce traction energy without compromising comfort. Another advantage of lightweight seats in trains is the potential savings in cooling and ventilation energy. Depending on the season, up to 40% of energy is used for air-condition and interior comfort. With global warming, this percentage is expected to increase in the future. Breathable and lightweight upholstery allows cool air to circulate better. The seat feels cooler and air conditioning energy is saved. Moreover, the lightweight and space-saving design allows for more seats per car, further increasing the train's energy efficiency. Network PromotionAs a product design and innovation agency, Milani has been active in the rail industry for over 15 years. We have good relationships with all stakeholders, know their challenges and are familiar with the regulatory requirements in public transport. This allows us to ensure that all aspects are translated into a marketable product concept. The project will involve various players in the value chain and promote cooperation between suppliers (seat manufacturers, fabric manufacturers), train manufacturers and train operators.So far, SBB and SOB are supporting the project from the rail operator's point of view. On the suppliers' side, Lantal Textiles AG has agreed to support the project as a business partner. Process and resultsMilani will develop a proof of concept that will give the rail industry the confidence to launch their own innovation projects and scale up lightweighting solutions. We calculate the potential energy and material savings for local and long-distance transportation and the advantages and disadvantages of different materials. Based on a holistic life cycle assessment, we will develop a lightweight seat concept that provides stakeholders with a vision of what the seats could look like and how they could be implemented. The focus is on robustness, comfort, inclusiveness and feasibility, taking into account a competitive total cost of ownership (TCO). We also consider the end-of-life scenario of the future seat and its CO2 reduction potential. The process is carried out in co-creation with the railway industry. Through quick feedback loops with all stakeholders, the future design concept should be able to be implemented quickly.Further Information We hope to have sparked your interest. More detailed information can be found in the attached PDF.

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: Lightweight seats for public passenger trains
• Date: 8/16/2023 3:13:18 PM
• Administrators:
  • Nadine Wolf

Project Idea Description

Problem

Passenger seats account for up to 10% of the weight of today's trains. At first glance, this may not seem significant. However, for a 9-car Intercity train, it represents 30 tons of weight which needs to be transported through Switzerland every day. Lighter seating systems could contribute to significant energy savings and CO2 eq. reductions, but are quickly associated by passengers with quality compromises in ride comfort.

A systemic problem in the procurement of public rail vehicles has hindered so far innovative seating solutions. Rail operators are reluctant to take risks on ride comfort, while train manufacturers and suppliers are bound by tender criteria. There is no pressure from either side to innovate, which in turn inhibits investment incentives for new seat developments.

Solution

A feasibility study can help break down this system-related innovation problem. By demonstrating the possibilities and feasibility of lighter-weight seating systems, rail operators can create new tendering criteria and rail manufacturers and suppliers can be incentivized to innovate.

Through innovative material selection and novel, intelligent design, passenger seats on trains could be up to 50% lighter and reduce traction energy without compromising comfort.

Another advantage of lightweight seats in trains is the potential savings in cooling and ventilation energy. Depending on the season, up to 40% of energy is used for air-condition and interior comfort. With global warming, this percentage is expected to increase in the future. Breathable and lightweight upholstery allows cool air to circulate better. The seat feels cooler and air conditioning energy is saved.

Moreover, the lightweight and space-saving design allows for more seats per car, further increasing the train's energy efficiency.

Network Promotion

As a product design and innovation agency, Milani has been active in the rail industry for over 15 years. We have good relationships with all stakeholders, know their challenges and are familiar with the regulatory requirements in public transport. This allows us to ensure that all aspects are translated into a marketable product concept.

The project will involve various players in the value chain and promote cooperation between suppliers (seat manufacturers, fabric manufacturers), train manufacturers and train operators.

So far, SBB and SOB are supporting the project from the rail operator's point of view. On the suppliers' side, Lantal Textiles AG has agreed to support the project as a business partner.

Process and results

Milani will develop a proof of concept that will give the rail industry the confidence to launch their own innovation projects and scale up lightweighting solutions.

We calculate the potential energy and material savings for local and long-distance transportation and the advantages and disadvantages of different materials. Based on a holistic life cycle assessment, we will develop a lightweight seat concept that provides stakeholders with a vision of what the seats could look like and how they could be implemented.

The focus is on robustness, comfort, inclusiveness and feasibility, taking into account a competitive total cost of ownership (TCO). We also consider the end-of-life scenario of the future seat and its CO2 reduction potential.

The process is carried out in co-creation with the railway industry. Through quick feedback loops with all stakeholders, the future design concept should be able to be implemented quickly.

Further Information

We hope to have sparked your interest. More detailed information can be found in the attached PDF.

The project aims to promote energy efficiency and innovation in local, regional and long-distance public transport. It aims to demonstrate that novel seats for trains can be both lightweight and comfortable, contribute to significant energy savings and CO2 eq reductions, and be offered at a competitive total life cycle cost compared to conventional seats available on the market.