Under Desk HVAC
News Article

Under Desk HVAC Units Installed in Railway Maintenance Vehicle Driver Cabs

Monday, May 28, 2018

DC Airco has completed the installation of its DC23001 under desk HVAC systems on a railway maintenance vehicle, providing reliable climate control for the driver cabs in demanding operational environments. The vehicle has been equipped with two DC23001 units, with one system installed on each side, independently conditioning the driver cabs. This configuration ensures consistent thermal comfort for operators regardless of driving position, route direction, or operating conditions.

Compact HVAC Solution for Driver Cab Applications
The DC23001 Under Desk HVAC unit is specifically designed for heavy duty railway driver cabs, where space efficiency, robustness, and compliance with railway standards are essential. Installed beneath the operator workstation, the unit delivers powerful cooling and heating performance without intruding into the cab layout or reducing working space. Each unit provides up to 5.5 kW of cooling capacity and 4.5 kW of electric heating, ensuring comfortable cab conditions across a wide range of ambient temperatures. An integrated fresh air intake further improves air quality inside the cab, supporting operator alertness during long maintenance shifts.

Designed for Railway Maintenance Operations
Railway maintenance vehicles operate under variable and often harsh conditions, including slow speeds, prolonged idling, and exposure to dust, vibration, and temperature extremes. The DC23001 units are housed in a robust, powder coated steel enclosure designed for long term durability in such environments. The systems are powered by a 400 Vac supply and incorporate a dedicated PLC based control system for reliable and precise climate management. The built in controller provides access to system settings and fault codes, simplifying operation and maintenance.

Compliance with Railway Standards
The installed HVAC units comply with key railway standards, including EN 14813 1 for driving cab air conditioning, EN 45545 2 for fire protection, and EN 61373 for vibration and shock resistance. Full EMC compliance ensures stable operation alongside onboard electrical and control systems. These certifications make the DC23001 an ideal solution for both new build railway maintenance vehicles and retrofit projects. Improving Operator Comfort and Operational Efficiency By installing a dedicated HVAC unit for each driver cab, the project enhances operator comfort, reduces fatigue, and helps maintain concentration during precision maintenance tasks. Stable cab temperatures contribute directly to safer and more efficient vehicle operation, particularly during extended working hours.

A Flexible Solution for Maintenance Fleets
This installation highlights the flexibility of DC Airco’s under desk HVAC systems for specialized rail vehicles. Their compact design, high performance, and standards compliance make them well suited for maintenance fleets where cab layouts, operational profiles, and environmental conditions differ from conventional rolling stock.