Updated Configuration of the KZ4AT Electric Locomotive's Onboard Systems Tested in Kazakhstan

In order to validate updated versions of the software for the locomotive's microprocessor control system, the automatic train operation system, and the "BORT" locomotive traffic safety system, static and dynamic tests were conducted from February 16 to 22, 2024 on the brand-new KZ4AT 0056 electric locomotive, with representatives from Alstom, Elektrovoz Kurastyru Zauyty (EKZ) LLP, AVP Tekhnologiya LLC, Transtelesoft LLC, and Transtelesoft LLP taking part. The KZ4AT mainline passenger electric locomotive of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC (KTZ) is manufactured at the EKZ electric locomotive assembly plant in Astana, using technologies from the developer, Alstom. The KZ4AT AC electric locomotive with asynchronous traction motors has a single-section, dual-cab design with a 2o-2o wheel arrangement and a maximum speed of 200 km/h. Like the KZ8A, the KZ4AT electric locomotive is fully adapted to the climatic conditions of the 1520 mm gauge space, with all the advantages of a new-generation electric locomotive: high reliability, cost-effective maintenance, and comfortable conditions for the locomotive crew. It is equipped with an automatic train operation system developed by AVP Tekhnologiya LLC, and, since 2022, starting with locomotive No. 0040, it has been fitted with the new "BORT" locomotive traffic safety system in place of the KLUB-U integrated locomotive safety device. To improve dynamic characteristics and ride comfort during departure and speed maintenance, along with a number of other improvements aimed at optimizing passenger train operation and increasing traffic safety, and to verify the digital interaction between the locomotive's microprocessor system, the automatic train operation system, and the traffic safety system, static and dynamic tests were conducted from February 16 to 22 at the Astana locomotive depot. The dynamic tests were successfully carried out during trial runs on the Astana–Kokshetau section with passenger trains No. 55/56. The drivers noted more comfortable locomotive handling characteristics and positively received the additional functions of the onboard systems, while passengers benefited from improved ride smoothness, more accurate schedule adherence, and a guaranteed high level of traffic safety under the control of the "BORT" traffic safety system.