SIKA launches digital multisensor for precise train climate control

Reliable measurement data as the basis for comfort and efficiency

Whether temperature, relative humidity or carbon dioxide (CO₂): these parameters have a decisive influence on the interior climate in the passenger compartment and form the basis for targeted control of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. At the same time, the demands placed on energy efficiency, control quality and system reliability in modern rail vehicles continue to increase.

With the digital multisensor E04, SIKA offers a compact sensor solution for the simultaneous measurement of temperature, relative humidity and CO₂. The sensor is designed for use in vehicle HVAC systems and supports precise, demand-based climate control in the passenger compartment.

Active ventilation for realistic measurement

A key feature of the multisensor is the active ventilation of the sensor elements. An integrated, whisper-quiet fan continuously guides ambient air past the measuring elements. This allows the measured values to respond quickly and reliably to changes inside the passenger compartment, for example during passenger changes, when doors open, or under changing operating conditions. External climatic influences, such as changing weather conditions, are also detected promptly and incorporated into the measurement.

Active ventilation also enables concealed installation behind panels without compromising response time or measurement quality. This allows the sensor to be integrated discreetly into existing vehicle concepts. 

Easy integration into existing systems

The recorded temperature, humidity and CO₂ values are transmitted to the higher-level climate control system via CANopen (EN 50325-4). The multisensor can be integrated as a node into existing vehicle networks and supports targeted control of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning functions.

Thanks to its modular design, the solution is suitable both for rail vehicle manufacturers and for manufacturers of vehicle HVAC systems that require reliable sensor technology for their control strategies. 

Designed for use in rail applications

Components used in rail vehicles must operate reliably over many years under changing environmental and operating conditions. The digital multisensor E04 is designed to meet these requirements. It features high vibration resistance and a durable design.

The sensor has been tested in accordance with DIN EN 61373 (Category 1, Class A) as well as other relevant railway standards, including DIN EN 50155, thereby meeting key requirements for use in rail vehicles.

Collaboration with Siemens Mobility in current vehicle projects

The digital multisensor E04 is already being used in specific vehicle projects. In this context, SIKA is working with rail vehicle manufacturer Siemens Mobility, one of the world’s leading providers of modern train platforms.

One example is the new generation of Munich S-Bahn trains, which is currently being developed and built by Siemens Mobility. These vehicles will rank among the most advanced suburban trains in Germany and set new standards in efficiency, comfort and system integration. In these trains, the multisensor E04 is part of the climate system and provides the measurement data for temperature, humidity and CO₂ in the passenger compartment.

In addition, the sensor is also being used in further international vehicle projects. These projects clearly demonstrate how the multisensor can be integrated into modern vehicle architectures and support the precise and reliable measurement of relevant climate parameters.

Invisibly installed, crucial for the interior climate

The multisensor itself remains invisible inside the passenger compartment. Its impact, however, is immediate: stable climate conditions, consistent comfort, and control that is systematically aligned with actual demand. Precise sensor technology therefore forms the basis for a pleasant and controllable interior climate in modern rail vehicles.