We have developed an anti-lock brake system (referred to as "ABS" below) applicable to freight cars that have neither as power source nor a heater. This system, which is controlled by a power-saving method, has an anti-skid valve that can be driven by static electric energy charged in a electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) that works for eight years or over without requiring maintenance service. The anti-skid valve features small power consumption, 2.5W or less, and a function to play the role of two valves with an electro-magnetic coil. The newly developed capacitor, which is the type of aquatic electrolytic solution, has a capacity of 5F and works at 24V at the temperature of -40 to +85 degree C. The result of the bench test and a field test of new ABS installed on a freight car were satisfactory to prove that the system satisfies the requirements of long durability, high reliability, maintenance-free feature (for eight years or over) and low manufacturing cost, which have long been awaited for freight cars.

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