How to Boost Performance Metrics and Keep Energy Costs Down

PWM Electric Rail Switch Heating System Enables 90% in Energy Cost Savings

Rail transportation has long been a vital component of a modern economy, providing an efficient and sustainable means of moving people and goods. Over the years, rail transport has evolved from steam and diesel to more efficient electric powered trains. The advent of the 21st century has seen a shift to greener technologies and digital advancements—automated trains, real-time monitoring, and smart ticketing systems—to improve the customer experience, enhance operations, and reduce downtime.

As railway companies pursue sustainability and technological advancement, they must contend with rising operational costs and fluctuating energy prices, while also trying to maintain profitability. A major factor contributing to high operational costs is the expenditure on energy to heat rail track switches. In an article by the Association of American Railroads in February 2024, they say, “Railroads invest heavily in their network, preparing for winter by spending a significant portion of the well above $23 billion yearly on restoring, upgrading, and acquiring new winter equipment and technology.”

The Hottest Electric Rail Switch Heating System and the Lowest Energy Costs

In Europe, NIBE Element Railway Solutions has worked with rail authorities for over 20 years to design and install advanced, automated rail heating systems. In 2015, just as the company was looking to expand into North America, a major blizzard hit the Northeast United States, shutting down rail and transit service.

NIBE’s U.S. and European teams partnered with the affected Northeast transit authority to redefine rail switch heating technology. Their primary objective was to create an exceptional heat source that could manage extreme weather conditions. With the growing emphasis on reducing rail’s carbon footprint, however, the team recognized the importance of creating a system that could also more precisely monitor and control rail conditions—and ultimately reduce energy costs and improve passenger metrics.

The resulting patented solution, NIBE’s Blue Point dual-element switch heating system leverages innovative pulse width modulated (PWM) switch heating technology. PWM enables an operator to dial in the exact wattage required to deliver the appropriate amount of heat—as much as 600 watts per foot in extreme conditions—to switch rail and switch rods to keep rails free of ice and snow. Because the system applies heat only when and where it is needed, energy savings of 90% and higher have been achieved by major U.S. rail authorities where Blue Point has been installed.

Better Performance, Happier Crews and Customers 

The Blue Point system is fully automated—providing proactive 24/7 call center monitoring (the industry’s only third-party monitoring system), remote diagnostics, and real-time alerts. The system has been deployed at several U.S. transit authorities, helping them to manage peak demand, avoid costly delays, boost performance metrics, and significantly reduce energy use. One authority reports a 92% energy savings over a dispatch/tower controlled turnout.

Crews—often skeptical at first—have cited their appreciation for the quick learning curve, ease of using the system, and freedom from constantly having to monitor changing weather conditions, enabling them to focus on keeping trains running smoothly and on time. When there is an issue, the call center notifies the operator and built-in redundancy isolates any power failure at the junction box.

While the fully automated system is the most energy-efficient method of heating control, NIBE offers flexible systems that enable the automation of existing rail infrastructure at a cost-effective price point.

Custom Design Your Track Switch Heating System

NIBE helps solve unique rail heating challenges with custom-designed, and USA-manufactured, heating and monitoring solutions. We’re here to help you create the best rail heating solution for your needs and boost your performance indicators while reducing the carbon footprint.

• Energy cost savings of 90% and higher
• Robust, longest-lasting heater with full 10-year warranty
• Hottest electric rail heating system you can buy—500-600 watts—tackles extreme conditions
• Targeted, precise PWM monitoring applies heat to rail track switch, only when and where it is needed 

How can we help you with your next rail switch heating project? Contact an engineer today to set up a consultation. We look forward to helping you soon.