Checkpoint - Part 2

01.02.2005 - 31.12.2006
Research funding project
Apart from an increase in safety and quality, the introduction of the new OeBB management operation system has to result in a reduction of operational costs. This goal can only be achieved if the personnel is concentrated on a few locations und the traditional train supervision is replaced by a technical solution, the so-called Checkpoints. Checkpoints can be defined as track-side locations where trains are examined to detect any deviation from nominal condition. This check is executed by sensor components which are passed by passenger and/or cargo trains with the locally authorised speed. The data collected is considered as an important source for subsequent activities. In February 2003, the realisation of the project ¿The integration of Checkpoint systems into solid state interlockings for automatic train supervision¿ was started. This project is supported by the ISB 1-programme (Innovative system railway). Based on the results of the first project, it is planned to extend the 3-months field trial of phase 1 by another 9 months to supervise the sensor components and their interaction for a longer period of time and/or a wider range of different climatic conditions. In doing so, more measured values can be obtained. On the one hand, this can be traced back to a higher number of regular trains, on the other hand, it is planned to run test trains with pre-defined defects to check the reliability of the sensor components. In addition to that, it is scheduled to integrate additional sensor components in phase 2 of the project to compare the solution chosen in phase 1 with a product from a potential competitor. The field test is followed by an evaluation phase lasting 3 months. The results can be used as an input for the planned product development. But they are playing a decisive role for the evaluation of the sensor components, too. An intensive exchange of information with potential sensor suppliers is to result in improvements with regard to the used sensor components. Phase 2 of the project is to start in February 2005. The field test will be finished on October 31st, 2005. The evaluation will be completed until January 31st, 2006. The project at hand takes into consideration three topics of the 2nd ISB-tender. Interoperability is one reason why a track-side approach was selected. The introduction of Checkpoints aims at an increase in safety of rail transport, covering passenger as well as cargo transport, without jeopardizing the increase in efficiency achieved by automation. Environmental aspects are gaining in importance when it comes to early identification of irregularities to prevent accidents having an impact on the environment.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • BM f. Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation u.Technologie (National) Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology (bm:vit)

External partner

  • Institute of Electrodynamics, Microwave and Circuit Engineering

Publications