HVAC Systems Installed on Track Geometry & Inspection Vehicle for Dubai Metro
DC Airco has successfully delivered and installed its railway certified rooftop air conditioning systems on the Track Geometry & Inspection Vehicle, Model TG IV 001, operating on the Dubai Metro network. The vehicle was manufactured by Horikawa Koki Co., Ltd., with development involvement from Mitsubishi (2018) and Hitachi, and is designed for operation in extreme climatic conditions.
To ensure reliable climate control in the harsh desert environment, the vehicle has been equipped with three DC Airco DC24001 railway rooftop air conditioning units. One unit is installed for each driver cab, providing independent cooling and heating on both sides of the vehicle, while the third unit conditions the crew area, ensuring thermal comfort for onboard personnel during extended inspection operations.
Engineered for Extreme Heat Conditions
Dubai Metro infrastructure places demanding requirements on onboard systems due to sustained high ambient temperatures. The installed DCAirco units were specifically configured for high temperature operation, supporting reliable performance in ambient conditions of up to 54 °C. This ensures continuous climate control even during peak summer months, when temperatures regularly exceed standard railway design limits.
Each DC24001 unit delivers 7 kW of cooling capacity and includes an integrated electric heater, allowing year round operation across both hot daytime conditions and cooler nighttime periods. The systems support a 230 Vac primary power supply with 24 Vdc control voltage, enabling seamless integration into the vehicle’s electrical architecture.
Optimized Climate Control for Driver and Crew Areas
The installation layout was designed to maximize operator comfort and operational reliability. By assigning dedicated HVAC units to each driver cab, the system ensures stable temperature control regardless of the active driving position. The crew area unit maintains a comfortable internal environment for inspection staff, helping reduce fatigue during long operating shifts.
All units include an integrated PLC controller with diagnostic display, allowing operators and maintenance teams to monitor system status, alarms, and performance in real time. This is particularly critical for inspection vehicles, where data integrity and uninterrupted operation are essential.
Compliance with International Railway Standards
The DC Airco DC24001 rooftop units comply with major railway standards, including EN 14813 1 for driving cab air conditioning, EN 45545 2 Hazard Level 3 (HL3) for fire protection, and EN 61373 for vibration and shock resistance. The robust stainless steel housing with a durable powder coated finish ensures resistance to corrosion, heat exposure, and mechanical stress in desert railway environments. Supporting Reliable Rail Inspection Operations Track geometry and inspection vehicles play a critical role in safe and efficient metro operations. By maintaining controlled internal conditions for both drivers and crew, the installed HVAC system contributes to improved concentration, reduced thermal stress, and overall operational efficiency.
This project further demonstrates DC Airco’s capability to deliver customized, high reliability HVAC solutions for specialized railway vehicles operating in some of the world’s most demanding environments.