Projects / Case study
Pantograph & Hotbox Monitoring
Taiwan's first hot box and pantograph monitoring systems, enhancing rail inspection precision and efficiency.
- Client
- Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA)
- Partners
- Voestalpine (hot box) · PantoInspect (pantograph)
- Sector
- Railway monitoring (IoT)
- Location
- Qidu, Keelung
- Goal
- Optimize maintenance precision and efficiency with hot box & pantograph monitoring
Background & challenge
Overheated axle bearings and pantograph faults can cause safety issues such as wheel failure and derailment, as well as reliability problems. TRA previously detected faults through visual inspection of axles and pantographs. In 2015, Welltek brought together Voestalpine and PantoInspect to modernize TRA's maintenance. Installing the components affected three TRA units — Rolling Stock, Signaling and Overhead Lines — each with concerns over disruption and reliability.
Our approach
Welltek proposed installing two trackside systems at Qidu (Keelung) to digitalize pantograph and hot box inspection. Acting as a bridge between the three TRA units, Welltek used its reputation and working relationship with TRA to build trust and complete the project together. Over the following five years, Welltek maintained the system and trained staff to act on the collected data, helping TRA transition from conditional to preventative maintenance.
Results
Passing rolling stock at Qidu can now be inspected for overheated axle bearings and pantograph faults, greatly improving TRA's inspection efficiency. The success drew interest from other Taiwanese operators, such as Taoyuan Metro, in Voestalpine's products, and cemented Welltek's reputation as a dedicated partner for local operators and international suppliers in Taiwan's railway industry.
Welltek's services
- Solution & supplier discovery and analysis
- Supplier & product promotion
- Supplier-to-client coordination
- Installation, testing & commissioning (ITC)
- Follow-up training & maintenance
Introducing new products requires a period of adjustment and adaptation. Even if it takes 5–10 years, we're willing to continue to provide support and guidance, so operators can build trust in the products and see the maximum benefits and true value of the delivered equipment.