In Warmth and Comfort: New Details About the uPod for “Sosny”

In the conditions of the Belarusian climate, the ability of rolling stock to retain heat and maintain a stable microclimate inside the cabin is of particular importance. With this in mind, the passenger uPod U5-54220 is being developed for operation at the “Sosny” resort. It will be used on a route connecting the residential facility with the spa complex. By the way, you can see how things are going at the construction site in this short video.

Heat Source

The climate control system of the new uPod uses four high-voltage PTC (positive temperature coefficient) electric heaters with a total output of up to 11 kW. They operate on direct current at 500 VDC. Thermal load control is implemented in a stepped manner with four operating modes, allowing the heating to be adjusted according to outdoor weather conditions. The heaters are installed in two climate units on the roof of the passenger module, and warm air is supplied to the cabin through rigid air ducts.

The system operates on a recirculation principle: part of the air is taken from the cabin, mixed with fresh air, heated, and then supplied to the lower zone – directed toward passengers’ feet. Excess air, by contrast, is exhausted from the cabin. The U5-54220 model also features an experimental solution: to preserve the interior microclimate, a flow of warm air is additionally directed toward the windows.

Passenger Module Design

The uPod cabin in the string rail transport complex for the “Sosny” sanatorium is designed for six passengers and includes one space for a passenger with limited mobility. Comfort during the cold season is ensured not only by the heat source but also by the design of the uPod itself. Single-chamber polycarbonate glazing units in the windows are combined with a multilayer insulation system for the walls, floor, and roof.

The cavities of the frame are filled with 60-mm-thick closed-cell foamed polyvinyl chloride panels, supplemented by a sound-absorbing layer of open-cell polyurethane. The floor and ceiling are insulated with mineral wool and a layer of foamed rubber. All these materials are fireproof. On the outside, they are covered with aluminum honeycomb panels, which both increase structural rigidity and reduce heat loss.

Comfort Above All

The uPod for “Sosny” is an example of transport solutions developed by UST Inc. specialists for operation in a wide variety of conditions. The climate control system of the U5-54220 model is thought out down to the smallest detail, ensuring that nothing disturbs the comfort of sanatorium guests on their way from the residential complex to the spa center and back.