Issue 33

R. Sepe et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 33 (2015) 451-462; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.33.50 453 The floor is built from softwood. On every side of the wagon there are two mobile doors, with a clearance of 4000 x 2150 mm 2 , as well as eight ventilation openings. Tab. 1 shows some typical specifications for a standard freight “GABS” car. Figure 1 : Dimension of a standard freight “GABS” car. Type reference GABS Type number 1811–1812 Number of axles 4 Wheel base, distance between bogie pins [m] 16.66 Max. length over buffers [m] 21.70 Own weight [kg] 27500 Loading length [m] 20.39 Loading width [m] 2.57 Loading height [m] 2.77 Loading area [m 2 ] 53.00 Loading space [m 3 ] 137.00 Table 1 : Typical specifications for a standard freight “GABS” car. A standard freight “GABS” car was retrofitted in a refrigerated freight car. The reconstruction of wagons included: removal of the roof and preparation for welding (cutting and removal of upper construction, floor, sandblasting and cleaning), treatment and reinforcing the frame (frame straightening, welding steel reinforcements on the main longitudinal members, fixing and welding cross bearers and walking sheets, restoring headstocks), wagon revision (bogies, brakes and general revision), final assembly (final welding components and installation of a new roof and insulating panels), corrosion protection of the frame, final painting, sealing and assembly of the refrigeration system. The refrigeration system is composed of refrigeration units, installed into the structure of car, electrically driven by a generator joined to the wheel axes. Four lithium ion batteries are charged by sixty solar panels located on the roof of the car; moreover, the freight car is equipped with Phase Change Material (PCM) pipes which are installed in the roof of the car. During periods of insufficient lighting or when the car is standing in the station, batteries provide electricity to a classic refrigeration unit and the liquid eutectic collaborates providing refrigeration to the goods.