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Technologies for Sustainable & Attractive European Rail Freight

IP Coordinator: Norbert Kahl - DB

Overview

Project title:
Real time information applications and energy efficient solutions for rail freight

Topic:
S2R-CFM-IP5-01-2017
Total Project Value:
€ 9 900 990,00
Duration:
from 01/09/2017 to 28/02/2021
S2R (Of H2020) co-funding:
€ 4 400 000,00
Coordinator:
Jan Bergstrand
TRAFIKVERKET - TRV
Complementary projects:
FFL4E, ARCC, FR8RAIL, PIVOT, OPTIYARD

Objectives

In line with the objectives of IP 5 and expected results presented in MAAP (chapter 5.2), the FR8HUB consortium will contribute to the overall objectives in the following way:

Increasing capacity by 10 % through:

  • The network management system by connecting components and enable improved operational planning in the railway freight system. (WP3)
  • By simulation, prove the positive capacity effects to increase average and absolute speed for freight trains by better train dynamics, and improved network and yard operational planning (WP3)
  • Intelligent video gate by reducing the dwell time in terminals and design optimisation for future terminals. (WP4)
  • Locomotive of the future with powerful last mile propulsion systems reducing the need for shunting locomotives (WP6)

Increase operation reliability by 10 % through:
  • Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) for wagon bogies by reducing maintenance costs and increase the reliability of the transport. (WP2)
  • Locomotive of the future and shunting legacy fleets by hybridisation to enable multi operations also without catenary and more energy effective solutions. (WP5 & WP6)
  • Intelligent video gate by digital identification of the wagon and load unit to optimize the terminal process with better data exchange and interoperability, consequently connecting to the network management in a more efficient way. (WP4)

Railway system life cycle cost reduction by 10 % through:
  • Hybridisation of legacy shunters by modernise and prolong the life cycle of the existing fleet. (WP5)
  • Locomotive of the future with improved propulsion technologies. (WP6)
  • Condition Based Maintenance for wagon bogies thus reducing the number of failures and breakdowns e.g. derailments. (WP2)

Increase energy efficiency by 10 % through:
  • Locomotive of the future by power peak shaving concepts, intelligent auxiliary management and powerful mission managers and innovative propulsion technologies. (WP6)
  • Hybridisation of legacy shunters by development of a standardized, modular, hybrid concept thus reducing LCC costs by 10% and enabling a quick impact to market. (WP5)

Reducing noise by 5 % through:
  • Condition based maintenance by developing methods for locating deficiencies on the wagon bogie. That will help to reduce the noise generated from the rolling stock. (WP2)

In addition.
Reducing emissions. FR8HUB contribution by 20 % reduction of CO2 emissions per train through:
  • Hybridisation of Legacy shunting fleets providing an environmentally friendly and eco-efficient second life of legacy Diesel locomotives (WP5)
  • Research into further minimization of ecological footprint with new technologies and reduction of CO2 and noise emissions to increase social acceptance (WP5)

FR8HUB will contribute to increasing punctuality by 10 % through:
  • The network management system, enabling improved tactic and operational planning and through this a better allocation of allowance time. (WP3)
  • By simulation, prove the positive punctuality effects from increased average and absolute speed for freight trains by better train dynamics, leading to larger absolute allowances, and improved network and yard operational planning (WP3)

The objectives of the FR8HUB project will be achieved by developing a number of vital areas within freight rail.

There are six main areas of work that form the backbone of this project’s approach;

WP 1.Migration plan
WP 2.Condition based maintenance for wagon bogies
WP 3.Real time network management and simulation of increasing speed for freight trains
WP 4.Intelligent video gate
WP 5.Hybridisation of legacy shunters
WP 6.Freight loco of the future


Vision of Shift2Rail IP5 (focus areas for FR8HUB are highlighted in blue)

Project Structure



WP1 - Migration plan

The overall migration plan will provide a vision by giving guidance for the market introduction and European wide roll-out of the different technologies and solutions that will be developed in IP5. Therefore, technological migration plans will be developed for key technologies and solutions carried out in TD 5.1 -TD 5.6. With the overall vision of digitalisation and automation of rail freight, the migration plan will provide a reasonable timeline with logically steps for the market uptake of the new solutions which can be used as a guideline for the European freight sector. The plan will also provide information on connections/dependencies between TDs/key technologies to further shape the market uptake scenarios on the one hand and show related benefits for shippers, operators and customers on the other hand. To determine short-term wins for shippers, customers and operators available results of the Smart Rail project will be considered.

WP2 - Condition based maintenance for wagon bogies

Wheel flatness, ovalisation and poligonisation, degradation of suspension, and degradation of bearings are considered the most critical failures (probability x cost), which trigger wagon maintenance. State of the art technology can capture physical variables to monitor their performance; however, there are not cost-effective solutions connected with reference values capable of providing recommendation and alarms to trigger maintenance action. One of the bottlenecks is the development of algorithms adapted to specific sensors and the integration of the data within a maintenance information system. The objectives are:

  • Specification of sensors selected for the monitoring of physical parameters, which will early inform about most typical failures of wagon components and development of ad-hoc algorithms for identification of health status and degradation trends.
  • Laboratory tests to acquire data of the failure of the wagon components to be monitored.
  • Synchronization of measured values in position in the vehicle and the route, and timing. This will allow the filtering of externally generated noise that might trigger false alarms, e.g. squats or rail corrugation might be perceived as a failure in the axle bearing.
  • For a commercially attractive solution, it is required the use of wireless communication system with low power and low data rate, therefore it is necessary the development of efficient pre-processing and compression of information.
  • Field test campaign of the design covered in this WP will be carried out.


WP3 - Real time network management and simulation of increasing speed for freight trains

This work package will develop methods for improved interaction between network management and yard management and evaluate the effect on line capacity.

The objectives are:
  • Scanning of innovations and actions to increase overall speed of freight trains by improved train performance with economic evaluation, processes and automation. We will investigate both improvements in planning and operational processes and in the effects of improved railway technology from a system perspective.
  • Simulation of faster freight trains for important and mixed traffic bottleneck railway lines in Sweden and Germany with the aim to harmonize speed and increase capacity and punctuality.
  • Definition of a Data-Exchange Platform to improve the management and process for freight trains including data exchange, traffic information and traffic simulations between infrastructure managers and freight transport stakeholders
  • To develop Improved methods in connecting yards/terminals and network. The main goal will be to create a high level model about freight capacity in yards/terminals – network.


WP4 - Intelligent video gate (IVG)

The growth of intermodal transport is one of the success factors for shifting cargo from road to rail. Today terminal infrastructure operates in peak times at the limit of its capacity. Despite the implementation of several order management systems for terminals there are still lots of physical checks and manual data collection necessary. With the Intelligent video gate (IVG) the project partners want to initiate the next logical step to a higher automation of terminals. IVG will focus on train in- and outbound recognition, visual documentation and transfer of automatically recognized intermodal loading units (ILU) data as well as wagon data.

The objectives are:
  • Replacement of manual physical checks and manual data collection through identification of ILU and wagon. This identification will be based on optical and RFID recognition where suitable.
  • Automated analysis of data differences between recognized data and pre-advised data from the train (beyond the core information this could include automatic train inspection, classification and identification of trains system where applicable).
  • Data integration for user specific communication through integrated IT-system architecture.


WP5 - Hybridisation of legacy shunters

Hybridisation of the legacy shunting fleets should be sought in order to quickly react to the competitive pressure from other modes, by reducing lifecycle cost and defending rail freight’s position as the most environmentally friendly mode of transport. Accordingly, this work package aims at developing guidelines, technical concepts and design studies for implementation of a modular hybrid concept for legacy shunting locomotives including technical validation concepts.
The foreseen research activities in Work Package 5 ‘hybridisation of shunting legacy fleets’ and its follow-up activities are expected to:
  • reduce the implementation time and enhancing the cost competitiveness for environmentally friendly innovation;
  • improve the ecological footprint and lifecycle cost of Diesel shunters;
  • increase the flexibility and freight operational efficiency.


WP6 - Freight Loco of the future

This work package aims at defining and developing concepts, systems and subsystems of future freight locomotives for a maximum improvement of the energy efficiency of the locomotive alone, in the train consist or within a fleet.

The objectives are:
  • Evaluate and design innovative powerful and energy efficient last mile propulsion concepts, for main line freight locomotives that will lead to a significant improvement of energy efficiency for the operator and will reduce the need for inefficient shunting locomotives.
  • Study, specify and design innovative subsystems (, energy storage unit, and energy management system) for efficient hybrid locomotives to improve overall energy efficiency, increase performances (power boost) of the locomotives, and enable the operation in autonomous electric mode.
  • Specify and develop cost effective concepts for small and decentralized energy storage systems for a further improvement of the overall energy efficiency, allowing to implement start stop functionalities, reducing auxiliary consumption using harvested braking energy
  • Study the implementation of power peak shaving concepts for a complete fleet using fleet wide real-time information about energy consumption, intelligent auxiliary management and powerful mission managers, including track topologies and speed profiles, for further improved locomotive performance.


WP7 - Project Management

WP8 - Dissemination

Partners

Coordinator


Beneficiaries

Results and Publications

D1.1 - Mid-term report on key technologies for migration plan

Download

D1.2 Migration Plan

Download

D2.1 - Definition of scenarios for CBM on wagon bogies and definition of subsystem architecture

Download

D3.1 State-of-the-art and specification of innovations, demonstrations and simulations

Download

D3.2 - Demonstration of FR8Hub Network Management Concept

Download

D3.3 - Results of traffic simulation of defined scenarios and evaluation

Download

D4.1 - Description of functional and technical requirements and selection of components

Download

D4.2 - Technical proof of concept and rollout & implementation plan for pilot site(s)

Download

D5.1 Traction-chain simulation and lab bench test measurement validation for the parallel-hybrid pr

Download

D5.2 Report on simulation results of hybrid concept

Download

D5.3 Assessment of automation requirements for hybrid shunters

Download

D5.4. Sample Automation Architecture

Download

D6.4 Evaluation of cost effective, small and decentralized energy storage systems

Download

D6.5 Study of Power Peak Shaving Concepts

Download

D7.1 Quality plan

Download

D8.1 FR8HUB communication strategy

Download

* D8.2: Final Dissemination and Communication report

Download

FR8HUB Onepager

Download

* Please note that this/these deliverable(s) is/are undergoing S2R JU review and acceptance processes.

All deliverables, results and publications herewith provided reflects only the author's view and the S2R JU is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

Project's News & Events

Intelligent Video Gate aims to streamline the European railways

2 March 2021

FR8HUB includes 8 work packages. The focus of work package 4 is to develop Intelligent Video Gate (IVG). The gate reads information and takes pictures of the trains going through it to check for defects and wear. This is currently a manual process and the goal of IVG is to initiate automation of terminals. 

- "Without IVG all processes have to be checked and performed by manual work. The HD images taken by the gates give better a better basis for decision-making by making damage and wear visible. This solves practical problems and increases data reliability while at the same time being more time-efficient.  This enables better utilisation of terminal capacity," says Jürgen Karl, Work Package leader  at Deutsche Bahn. 

Read full article here: https://closer.lindholmen.se/en/news/intelligent-video-gate-aims-streamline-european-railways


Network management in real time and a higher speed for freight trains

2 March 2021

FR8HUB is made up of eight work packages (WP). Work package three focuses on developing methods to improve the interaction between the network and the freight depots and to assess the impact of this on line capacity. 

The most recent report produced for work package three describes the results. The first scenario involved an investigation into whether an additional train route could be created and adapted to the existing timetable on the line from Malmö to Hallsberg. Because the timetable is often completed long before it comes into effect, it must be possible to add a new train to the line closer to actual operation or in real time. However, it is important to minimise the risk of the new train path affecting the existing traffic. Algorithms have been developed for this purpose.

Linköping University has developed an algorithm which takes into consideration the train’s need for timetable time, in other words the train path, and the impact of the train path on other trains and the robustness of the system.

The scheduled and actual departure times of freight trains often differ. As a result, the delayed train can disrupt other traffic and reduce the capacity of the line. Therefore, the second scenario concerned different traffic management options and rescheduling freight trains. A study was carried out into how freight trains can be rescheduled to minimise disruption to other traffic and also how departures from freight depots can be made more predictable.


Read full article here:

https://closer.lindholmen.se/en/news/network-management-real-time-and-higher-speed-freight-trains

Shift2Rail Innovation Days 2020

2 March 2021


The Shift2Rail Innovation Days were held on 22 to 23 October. This is an event that focuses on the European rail system and the innovations that can be introduced to improve and develop it.

The final results of the FR8HUB project were presented by the Swedish Transport Administration together with Deutsche Bahn and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology during the session: Technologies for Sustainable & Attractive European Freight.

Watch the videos of the event here:
https://shift2rail.org/shift2rail-innovation-days-webinar-recordings/

Final Conference of OptiYard

14 November 2019

On the 25th of September 2019 the final conference of the Shift2rail project OptiYard was held in Paris. The work of OptiYard focused on optimized real-time yard and network management systems that help to improve the capacity and service reliability of railways.


A lot of interested participants attended the conference, and among them, the project coordinator of FR8HUB. Jan Bergstrand and Nicklas Blidberg presented the links between FR8HUB and OptiYard, as well as how the two projects have cooperated.

Sensors make the railway more reliable

23 September 2019

See the link

Unnecessary stoppages must be eliminated and the number of interruptions reduced. A holistic approach to Europe's railway logistics has been taken to increase attractiveness, where connected freight carriages and locomotives are part of the solution. 'With sensors installed on trains, information about wear and operational problems can be collected effectively so that expensive emergency measures can be avoided,' says Jan Bergstrand of the Swedish Transport Administration.

Intelligent freight trains with sensors installed on the carriages are an example of solutions that are developed within the FR8HUB logistics project, which is part of the railway research program Shift2Rail. The project's preliminary results were recently presented at the 'Innovation in Freight Conference' in Munich.

To read the full article please press here.

Intelligent Video Gate will improve efficiency in Europe’s railroad terminals

12 December 2018

See the link

Expectations were high when the prototype from FR8HUB was first demonstrated at the Shift2Rails booth during Innotrans 2018. Intelligent Video Gate, as the demonstration showed, is a key technique being developed at FR8HUB and, when it’s ready to be implemented, will bring a significant increase in efficiency to the work currently done at terminals.

Video of the prototype demonstration.


When the technology was demonstrated at the Shift2Rails booth at Innotrans, it was in the form of a prototype – a model train with a headlight and an RFID reader, connected to a camera. The prototype takes a picture every time a wagon passes in front of a camera and reads the RFID tag. Then the system matches the data from both sources and a web interface shows both pieces of information in real time alongside earlier documents so that they can be compared.

In the demo, you can see how the model also collects information about the business code, BIC/ILU code, UIC wagon number and any signs declaring dangerous goods. Inventorying and registering wagons and containers is something that is currently done manually at the terminal on trains, which can be up to 700 meters in length – something that takes up to 45 minutes per train. With the help of the new technology, this work will be done automatically.

FR8HUB AT INNOTRANS 2018 - 18-21 SEPTEMBER, BERLIN

7 September 2018

Together  with  its  Members,  Shift2Rail  is  showcasing  more  than  20  cutting-edge  solutions  for  a ground-breaking transformation of railway systems at InnoTrans in Berlin from 18-21 September. 
FR8HUB will be present on Thursday 20th and will present a first view of the concept Intelligent Video Gate, find our program here.

Come and visit us on Stand 203, Hall 4.2

FR8HUB AT TRA2018 - 16-19 APRIL, VIENNA

26 February 2018

See the link

On 18th of April 2018 FR8HUB will be present during the “Shift Freight to Rail” event by Shift2Rail in Vienna, Austria. This event is aimed at potential customers using rail. Please find the draft agenda below. To register for the event please follow this reservation link. Because of the catering and meeting rooms EVERYBODY has to register, including speakers and project members.

Contacts

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Jan Bergstrand

Project Coordinator

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Intelligent Video Gate aims to streamline the European railways

2 March 2021

FR8HUB includes 8 work packages. The focus of work package 4 is to develop Intelligent Video Gate (IVG). The gate reads information and takes pictures of the trains going through it to check for defects and wear. This is currently a manual process and the goal of IVG is to initiate automation of terminals. 

- "Without IVG all processes have to be checked and performed by manual work. The HD images taken by the gates give better a better basis for decision-making by making damage and wear visible. This solves practical problems and increases data reliability while at the same time being more time-efficient.  This enables better utilisation of terminal capacity," says Jürgen Karl, Work Package leader  at Deutsche Bahn. 

Read full article here: https://closer.lindholmen.se/en/news/intelligent-video-gate-aims-streamline-european-railways


Network management in real time and a higher speed for freight trains

2 March 2021

FR8HUB is made up of eight work packages (WP). Work package three focuses on developing methods to improve the interaction between the network and the freight depots and to assess the impact of this on line capacity. 

The most recent report produced for work package three describes the results. The first scenario involved an investigation into whether an additional train route could be created and adapted to the existing timetable on the line from Malmö to Hallsberg. Because the timetable is often completed long before it comes into effect, it must be possible to add a new train to the line closer to actual operation or in real time. However, it is important to minimise the risk of the new train path affecting the existing traffic. Algorithms have been developed for this purpose.

Linköping University has developed an algorithm which takes into consideration the train’s need for timetable time, in other words the train path, and the impact of the train path on other trains and the robustness of the system.

The scheduled and actual departure times of freight trains often differ. As a result, the delayed train can disrupt other traffic and reduce the capacity of the line. Therefore, the second scenario concerned different traffic management options and rescheduling freight trains. A study was carried out into how freight trains can be rescheduled to minimise disruption to other traffic and also how departures from freight depots can be made more predictable.


Read full article here:

https://closer.lindholmen.se/en/news/network-management-real-time-and-higher-speed-freight-trains

Shift2Rail Innovation Days 2020

2 March 2021


The Shift2Rail Innovation Days were held on 22 to 23 October. This is an event that focuses on the European rail system and the innovations that can be introduced to improve and develop it.

The final results of the FR8HUB project were presented by the Swedish Transport Administration together with Deutsche Bahn and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology during the session: Technologies for Sustainable & Attractive European Freight.

Watch the videos of the event here:
https://shift2rail.org/shift2rail-innovation-days-webinar-recordings/

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No: 777402