TD 5.1 - Fleet Digitalization and Automation
The ‘Fleet Digitalisation and Automation’ (TD 5.1) aims to improve strategic areas of rail freight transport by developing key technologies to enable a digital and automated rail freight system. TD 5.1 includes core topics like Condition-based Maintenance (CBM), Automatic Coupling, Freight Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Connected Driver Advisory Systems (C-DAS). Further systemic topics e.g. automatic train preparation are subordinate topics included in these innovation fields.
Implementation within IP5 projects
WP2 - Prediction based and predictive maintenance
The objective of this work package is to:
- Develop an overall condition based and predictive maintenance strategy for rail freight rolling stock (locomotives and wagons) in alignment with all overall Shift2Rail targets.
- Define new roles (e.g. reliability engineering) and responsibilities (e.g. technical support) in the interaction of the area asset, fleet and maintenance management.
- Develop a condition based and predictive maintenance program based on specific locomotives and based on a number of components.
Automatic coupling is one of the key technologies needed to meet the expectations of a sustainable and attractive European rail freight in the future by providing higher load capacity and intelligence in the operation.
The objectives of this WP are:
- To define the technical requirements of the automatic coupler integrating all the requested functionalities in order to achieve a common basis for the development of an European-wise solution.
- To define a migration strategy to introduce the automatic couplers in the freight market based on a cost benefit analysis.
WP1 - Automated Train Operation
Work package 1 Automated Train Operation (ATO) aims for a functional demonstrator of Automated Train Operation in a relevant rail cargo environment (TRL 5) in order to gather first practical experience with automated driving of freight trains. Concrete objectives of the tasks proposed in ARCC work package 1 are:
- The definition of freight-specific use cases and operational requirements under GoA2+ including automated brake testing and safety-relevant fall-back Levels
- The specification of required functionalities for automated driving under GoA 2+ including requirements for interoperability and on how to reach the most energy-efficient realization of the operational timetable
- Development of the surround sensor module for integration in the rail freight demonstrator and interfacing of the sensor solutions with the testing locomotive for experimental proof of concept
- The practical testing of relevant refit technology modules interfacing with a freight locomotive driven by an auto pilot protected by a train guard system
- Research on interfaces between the individual modules to ensure interoperability and system compatibility
- Research on interfaces between the individual modules to ensure interoperability and system compatibility
- The TRL5 demonstration of automated driving of a typically long and heavy freight train using pneumatic brake system of conventional freight wagons
- The development of a ideas for a development phase 2 in order to optimize the tested ATO solution that leads to a supervised, punctual and low-energy driving style
- Seeking synergies in the topic of obstacle detection with SMART project.
WP01 - Requirements and Specification for obstacle detection
The main objective of this WP is to perform analysis of the requirements for obstacle detection for targeted autonomous GoA4 trains with E-locomotive on European mainlines in existing infrastructure and to define specification of the prototype obstacle detection system.
WP02 - Development of obstacle detection system prototype
The main objective of this WP is the development and prototyping of integrated sensory system that can be used for obstacle detection at short and long distances (up to 1000 meters).
WP03 - Development of software algorithms for obstacle detection on railway tracks
The main objective of this WP is to develop algorithm for reliable sensor
- based obstacle detection. In order to achieve this main objective, the following sub-objectives will be achieved:
- development of algorithms for processing of 2D image data (thermal and night images, as well as 2D images of stereo cameras),
- development of algorithms for processing of 3D point cloud data generated using stereo vision, -development of smart sensor data fusion algorithm.
Objectives of the work package are:
- Evaluation of researched methods and developed technologies in different scenarios,
- Feedback of evaluated results to development.
WP2 - Cargo Condition Monitoring
The scope of this work package is to elaborate the technology concept of a cargo condition monitoring system suitable for rail freight transport of special goods, which can operate autonomously by using energy harvesting technologies for power generation and communicate via establishing wireless sensor networks. The constituted technology prototype should finally be validated in an appropriate railway environment (TRL 5).
Objectives:
- Identification of suitable monitoring and sensing technologies for cargo condition monitoring of special goods (valuable equipment, sensitive products and hazardous goods) leading to a conceptual definition and setup of a sensing platform providing modular support for integration of various types of preselected sensors
- Identification and design of autarchic power technologies based on energy harvesting for reliable and robust operation of a cargo condition monitoring system during the ride of a freight wagon
- Elaboration and design of a wireless sensor network that is ensuring a secure, regular and reliable data communication from the several parts of the condition monitoring system to a central application server
- Validation of designed functionalities regarding each sensor systems monitoring cargo condition, energy harvesting powering solutions and wireless data communication in a TRL 5 environment.
WP4 - Predictive Maintenance
The scope of this Work Package is to identify and model sets of condition monitoring and historical data for selected freight vehicle components, and develop methods for the predictive maintenance of freight wagons, with the final aim of substantially increasing the performance and cost effectiveness of rail freight transport.
Objectives:
- Gathering, analysis and selection of historical data and data from condition monitoring systems, for subsequent use in the WP;
- Prioritisation of freight vehicle components and sub-systems in terms of their relevance for predictive maintenance;
- Analysis of failure data of freight vehicle components and sub-systems, and development of predictive models;
- Development of condition monitoring and fault detection schemes;
- Development of predictive maintenance procedures to improve the wagon’s maintenance process;
- Development of a cost tool for the assessment of benefits for the predictive maintenance schemes developed in the WP and evaluation of the impact on the vehicle’s LCC, reliability and availability.
WP01 - Wagon Design & Automatic Coupling
The work is a consistent continuation of the work done in the FR8RAIL project. In order to push forward the development of the next generation freight wagon, the research and development in the following areas is proposed:
- General specifications for a multi-purpose next generation freight wagon, including the bogie, and its final development.
- Development of components, subsystems as well as the overall system in a multidisciplinary approach, including specifications for flexible use in current wagons when possible. This includes a bogie with excellent dynamic, protection from track derailment, wheel, track and curving-friendly running gear.
- Modular lightweight, aerodynamic optimized and low noise wagon design with an integration of brakes, vehicle & goods monitoring systems, being an enabler for effective vehicle monitoring systems and predictive maintenance strategies.
- Development of an automatic coupling solution for freight vehicles in Europe and the definition of a consistent migration plan for its implementation.
- Proof of concept for the extended market wagon 2020 and its subsystems, functional mock-up of a full-scale core market wagon.
WP04 - Connected Driver Advisory Systems (C-DAS)
The aim of this work package is to define requirements, system concept and demonstration for a Driver Advisory System connected to the Traffic Management System of the IM. The goal is to significantly increase service efficiency and energy savings. C-DAS, based on the real time data exchanged with TMS, will be able to evaluate speed profiles in accordance to the traffic real condition of the railway while TMS could improve quality of regulation strategies. The objectives are:
- Define and align requirements of TMS-users and RU for C-DAS in strong linkage to IP 2 and other running projects
- Develop concepts for C-DAS on concrete corridor sections
- Realize simulations and demonstrators for C-DAS on concrete corridor sections
- Evaluation of impact on performance and competitiveness
WP01 - Condition Based Maintenance
The overall goal of this work package is to scale the experience and especially the results from FR8RAIL I to more freight rail assets (rolling stock) and to identify new use cases which are on a European level. The findings and the learnings from previous projects should be used to further shape and improve the existing algorithms and patterns to deploy them and to increase the false positive rate.
- Improve existing Use Cases and scale them on a European level
- Find locomotive fleets from other countries where the existing use cases can be applied
- Create synergies in related series
- Create an advanced monitoring solution based on existing data and experience
WP2 - Requirements and Specifications
As the first technical work package of the project, the activities of this WP have the main objective to ensure that research and development is driven by the End User needs
The objective of WP3 is to establish and validate for safety a complete, seamless measurement chain from the components to be monitored to the operator interface
The work package has as goals:
• O4.1 Select and implement suitable models able to deliver the nominal and abnormal response of subsystems in the face of working parameter deviations
• O4.2 Selection and collection of modelling and system response data and the design of computational experiments
• O4.3 Vehicle and subcomponents dynamic simulation to obtain the nominal and abnormal behaviour of the bogie subsystems and their post-processing to virtually simulate the sensor data collection process
• O4.4 Development of digital twins for fast evaluation of acquired signal signatures and their association to selected bogie components conditions.
• O4.5 Validation of models and calibration of digital twins
WP5 - Operational Behavior
WP5 aims to develop a framework of condition-based and predictive maintenance for bogies, which can be effectively integrated into current fleet maintenance programs.
WP6 - Integration and Testing
Objective of WP6 is the deployment, assessment, and validation of a condition-based maintenance scheme for the locomotive bogie: sensors, data transfer, condition assessment, insights to guide maintenance, and alerts in case of component defect
WP1 - Use Cases, Requirements and Specifications
"Main objectives of this WP: to identify and analyse freight specific use cases that are relevant to development of OD system;
to review and analyse specific requirements (technical and RAMS-related); to define high level specifications of OD&TID sub-systems and interfaces, with respect to identified key requirements; to assess the requirements for the OD&TID system, and propose a new set of lower complexity requirements, which would be harmonized with the requirements of all advanced traffic management and control systems required for the implementation of a standard ATO system up to GoA 3/4.
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WP2 - On-board obstacle and track intrusion detection system
Main objectives of this WP: to advance SMART multi-modal on-board sensory system for long-range detection of obstacles on the rail tracks ahead of the train; to enhance the capabilities of SMART OD on-board system by inclusion of novel vision sensor for challenging environment conditions; to adjust and advance SMART machine learning-based software for object detection and distance estimation from monocular and multiple cameras of different types; to integrate all HW components and to implement developed SW into a functional on-board OD&TID system
WP3 - Trackside/Airborne obstacle and track intrusion detection system
Main objective of this WP: to develop and implement stationary trackside OD&TID system; to develop airborne OD&TID system.
WP4 - Decision Support system
Main objective of this WP: to perform fusion of preprocessed data for on-board and trackside/airborne OD&TID systems; to develop and implement decision making algorithms for optimal distance estimation of objects for ATO according to WP1 use cases; risk assessment of detected objects and decision-making activities according to safety requirements and specification in WP1; developing open interfaces and interface specification for communication between DSS and OD&TID sub-systems; interface specification for communication between DSS and Train Control system (ATO and ETCS); to develop algorithms to provide feedback to sensory systems, e.g. suggestions to airborne units; to develop and implement decision making algorithms for fulfill diagnostic requirements of detection systems according to WP1 use cases; to develop graphical user interfaces for the demonstrator.
WP5 - Prototype integration
Main objective of this WP: to perform sub-system conformance testing; to integrate all sub-systems into a holistic functional OD&TID prototype
Main objective of this WP: to generate data sets for obstacle and track intrusion detection methods; to evaluate SMART2 methods and developed technologies in different scenarios and for defined use cases; to provide a feedback on the evaluation results to development WPs
WP01 - CBM - Condition Based Maintenance
The overall goal of this work package is to use the experience and the findings gained from FR8RAIL III in order to develop CBM from a support function of rail freight and asset operation to a source of innovation and the main maintenance strategy for European companies. Therefore, CBM needs to be integrated into the overall maintenance and operating processes initiated and pushed by a project status. The integration includes all the changes in processes and in the type of work done by employees so far. Main demands are to avoid parallel and ill-aligned maintenance actions and to rethink roles and responsibilities in a digitalized maintenance process initiated by the development of advanced monitoring solutions for all kind of asset components. One crucial step during this development process is the definition or adjustment of thresholds as basis for the optimization of the current maintenance rules. These efforts also comprise prior reliability analyses of different components / spare parts. To describe the “condition” of a component, locomotive, wagon or fleet, a continuous monitoring based on different measured values, algorithms and KPIs and their defined thresholds will be set up. Finally, an end-to-end CBM workflow for a European fleet will be demonstrated.
WP02 - CBM Wayside Monitoring
Condition-based maintenance of freight wagons is rarely implemented in current practice. Wayside monitoring was started within the framework of FR8RAIL III WP1 (Condition Based Maintenance) in Task 1.5 “Alignment task to wayside monitoring”. The main goal of this task was to examine the possibility of moving from the existing reactive approaches to a more proactive approach. This would support a CBM strategy for the vehicle, with the aim of reducing the number of capacity consuming events and the probability of introducing failures or wear to the infrastructure. The first analysis in this task show positive results for a transformation of the maintenance. Until now, wayside diagnostic systems have mainly been used to detect already existing damage like hot runners (because of massive Bearing Damage, blocked Brakes or wheel flats).
Newer systems in the field could offer the possibility to determine the condition of freight wagons (with damages in an earlier stage). However, newer systems integrated in the main tracks have not yet proven their operational capability to a large extent.
Due to their cross-border use, freight wagons are also subject to special requirements and responsibilities (GCU). Therefore, a supra-regional acceptance and reliability of the diagnostic systems is necessary and has to be analyzed to enable cross-border guidelines.
Within the scope of this work package, the focus will be on the analysis of the output of different types of wayside monitoring systems (e.g. wheel flat detectors, wheel profile measurement systems). The result of this analysis will partly be connected to the work of WP7 where the generated information could be combined with the on-board telematics systems. In addition, a basis for analysis using artificial intelligence, for example, is to be created and the workshop processes are to be questioned and optimized.
Test FR8RAIL I and II Automatic Coupler technical solution, in real operational conditions, to check the level of compliance with the functional requirements, defined in FR8RAIL I and II. This will allow achieving a higher TRL level, with a proved solution, fostering a future standardization in Europe, and a product to be released to the market in the short term.
Depending on the performance of the component, validation activities will be completed progressively, starting from simple workshop tests, up to complete operational conditions in a real demonstration consist.
TD 5.2 - Digital Transport Management
The ‘Digital Transport management’ (TD 5.2) The aim of this TD is to develop freight solutions that are highly reliable and flexible, and that enable the optimisation of overall transport time, in particular by increasing the average speed for rail freight operations and by reducing handling and set up times at marshalling yards and in terminals taking into account the new automation technology, but also by ensuring that rail freight is able to better operate in conjunction with passenger traffic in order to maximise the utilisation of the existing network.
Implementation within IP5 projects
WP2 - Real-time Yard Management
The activities in WP2 will focus on the (single) wagon load and intermodal rail freight segment and on nodes (represented through marshalling yards and terminals), which are essential subsystems for the rail freight business.
The objectives and the tasks of WP2 fit with the description, given in chapter 5.5.3: TD 5.2 Access and operation of the Shift2Rail Multi Annual Action Plan and the related
FR8RAIL and
ARCC projects - taking into account the agreed budget.
This leads to the following list of detailed objectives for the start-up activities in this work package:
- Acquiring a common understanding of operations and decision-making processes in the nodes;
- Establishing stakeholder needs and restrictions for building up real-time systems, defining the target system for punctual fulfilment of the requirements for real-time scheduling, tracking and control to optimise yard operations;
- Analysing best practices for using simulation and optimisation systems for the automation of decision processes and defining requirements for a real-time simulation system for yards;
- Defining a demonstrator for Real-Time Yard Management in line with the advanced simulation approach which will be provided in the SMART project.
WP3 - Improved methods for timetable planning
The objectives of WP3 are:
- To study the effects of faster and more flexible train paths for freight trains;
- Better capacity utilisation and improved on-time performance;
- Improvements at the practical level and in implementation.
- The pre-study should develop a plan for the main work from 2018 until 2021.
WP04 - Analysis, requirements and specification of a real-time marshalling yard management system
The objective of this work package is studying and analysis existing train classification process and sorting methods of marshalling yard and different marshalling scenarios. Also, will given a special attention on modelling methods of marshalling yards and requirements and specification of marshalling yard management system.
WP05 - Modelling and real time simulation of marshalling process
Focus of this work package will be on the development of the main elements of real time management system for marshalling yards. Most important part of this work package is development of dynamical and simulation models of marshalling yards, and machine learning based real time optimization algorithm. Information system development (WP6) is based on the real time optimization algorithm defined in this work package, as well as data collected in this WP.
WP06 - Development of web-based information system for supervision and management of marshalling yards
The main objective of this WP is the development of an information system that can be used for visual representation of marshalling yard configuration, manual or automated input of inbound and outbound train parameters, planning car sorting (marshalling) using the optimization algorithm developed in WP5 and exporting planned marshalling process. Achieving this objective includes:
- Designing a database for storing information about European marshalling yards and marshalling process on these yards and importing data that will be collected during activities in WP5 into this database.
- Implementing optimization algorithm so that it can be applied for a specific marshalling yard model and inbound and outbound traffic information.
- Visualizing marshalling yard model for enabling current yard configuration representation and manual input of inbound and outbound traffic information.
- Providing support for integration with railway companies’ information systems in order to achieve automated import of inbound and outbound train parameters eliminating the need for manual input from marshalling yard officials. If this kind of integration was established, it would also be possible to receive information about inbound and outbound traffic for an extended period, such as next 24 hours, and offer information about estimated waiting and marshalling time to railway officials planning freight transport.
- Providing support for integration with marshalling yards’ automation system, is such a system exists, in order to decrease the amount of manual labour included and total time of marshalling. The ultimate goal would be total automation of the marshalling process, but our current goal, and a first step in this direction, would surely be performing automated marshalling after receiving an approval from an accredited official.
Another important goal for this WP is providing a publicly available library with methods for modelling a marshalling yard, inbound and outbound traffic information and planning a marshalling process using the optimization algorithm developed in WP5.
Objectives of the work package are:
- Evaluation of researched methods and developed technologies in different scenarios,
- Feedback of evaluated results to development.
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.
- To revise the rail freight operating process and gain a better understanding of how targeted information and data have been gathered and used in real-time rail freight operations and management.
- To conduct a study of what other methods and technics for data gathering, processing and management exist, describe them and select the most suitable ones for managing the rail freight operation in yards and networks to assist in making real-time decisions.
- To map functional requirements and technical characteristics of methods and techniques identified for real-time data management against the different parties involved and critical situations during daily yard / network operations to identify the best possible solution for this challenge;
- To define strategies for real-time yard operation, pulling real-time information from the network (e.g. on ETA, train formation), in order to improve yard operations;
- To define strategies for two-way interactions between yard and network in real-time, so that the information about the current state-of-play in the yard feeds forward to the decisions on how to manage the network.
The overall aim of WP3 is to provide a roadmap for the development and implementation of the standards for EU-wide real-time management of the yard and network eco system. The specific objectives are:
- To specify the OptiYard eco system and to design a suitable simulation environment for OptiYard developments
- To specify the functions required to present the key elements of the OptiYard eco system, their roles and actions in the eco system, the processes involved in real-time yard operations, and the interactions between the yard operations and real-time network management.
- To set out the technical specifications to ensure that the simulation environment is sufficiently flexible to adapt to changes in modernized technologies and that algorithms are computationally efficient for effective decision-making in real-time
- To provide the specifications for real-time data management and information exchange systems for communications both between the yard and the relevant network, and between the OptiYard eco system and the wider railway network.
This Work Package builds on the inputs of WP2, providing the necessary data to be targeted and the corresponding methods and techniques, and WP3, providing the detailed specifications for the simulation environment and prepares the modelling framework to host the optimisation algorithms to be developed in WP5. Its structure follows the two Work Streams identified in the Call, thus addressing both real-time yard and network management. Its mains objectives are:
- to develop the mathematical models for each typology of yard addressed in this project considering their network “ecosystem”, and for the portion of network ("relevant network") addressed;
- to build the corresponding implementations for each yard and for the network, per the specifications of WP3 (including those identified regarding general applicability to different marshalling yards and expected technological developments), and to bring them to a suitable state for validation;
- to validate the models through comparison of simulation results with the corresponding experimental data to the extent necessary for use in WP5 and WP6.
The implemented models must be suitable for use in WP5 and WP6. In WP5, they must perform simulations on which to design the yard optimisation algorithms and decision support systems. Subsequently, they will integrate the developed decision support system to provide the final, fully functional software modules as required by the call. In WP6, the software modules are tested and must be capable of running in real-time, demonstrating to be able to support yard and network decision-making processes.
WP5 - Process Optimisation
The objective of this work package is the proposal of innovative contributions for the yard management processes optimization with a link to the network. It concretizes in three goals. The first goal is the improvement of the information and communication channels between stakeholders. To do so, we will propose novel communication standards focusing on both marshaling yard and network by analogy to TSI. The second goal is the design and implementation of an effective integrated optimization and simulation framework for real-time yard management. To this aim, we will develop advanced optimization algorithms for yard management, and we will connect them exploiting the improved channels defined. The yard management process optimization allowed by this integrated framework will be validated in laboratory environment in WP6, demonstrating its maturity at the TRL4. The third goal is the proposal of an automated decision support tool for network management, to strengthen the link between yard dispatchers and IMs. We will achieve this goal by developing strategies for ad hoc timetabling to effectively integrate the yard outgoing trains in the nominal and perturbed traffic, proposing a decision support tool at the TRL3 maturity level.
WP6 - Feasibility and Simulation Testing
The main objective of this work package is the demonstration of the various solutions that will be designed and developed within WP 2 to 5 and to evaluate its (economical) applicability in real environments. The chosen demonstrators covering conventional and combined transport in single-wagon load and block trains will perform feasibility tests of the generic virtual yard/terminal software simulation environment in a production-like test and training environment.
In addition, the use cases partners will provide the necessary input (data, business processes) to the various research work packages (directly involved in WP2 to WP5) to design and develop the most suitable virtual ecosystem (models, simulation tool, algorithms, data exchange format).
Finally, an impact assessment will be undertaken to provide substantial information in terms of operation, business performance and overall economics for the practical application of the project results.
WP03 - Real-time network management and improved methods for timetable planning
In FR8RAIL2 WP3, the first steps in implementing the plan from ARCC WP3 are taken. The work package will deliver a demonstrator about improved short term planning and daily planning. For real-time network management requirements will be specified for a demonstrator for testing real time network management concepts. Main objectives are:
- To improve methods for annual and short-term timetable planning aiming at reducing the gap between planning perspective and real time network management
- Demonstrate timetable planning concepts that improves conditions for real time network management. A demonstrator on improved short-term planning and daily planning with improved interaction IM – RU including network and yard/terminals should be developed.
- Develop methods and tools that can reduce inefficiencies in real time network management by improving the possibilities for holistic view of the railway transport by e.g. improving the interaction between yards/terminals and network, and between infrastructure manager and railway undertakings. Requirements for a real time network management demonstrator should be specified.
WP02 - Real-Time Network Management
Real-time network management will improve operational process by improved methods and information support and human interaction. The research will reduce the gaps between timetable planning and operational traffic, and between yard management and network management.
The project will make a TRL 6 demonstration utilizing the integrated information platform developed in the project. The demonstration will include several important actors of the processes in scope, such as line planner, yard manager and arrival/departure yard planner. The aims of the demonstrations are both to show important actors the possibilities of integrated information platforms and also to get feedback on the provided concepts, use-cases and cooperation ideas. The objectives can be summarized as followed:
- To automate sequential planning and efficient human interaction, overcoming the current lack of synergies when handling and sharing data among infrastructure managers, yard/terminal managers, railway undertakings and maintenance contractors.
- To improve interaction and balancing capacity utilization between infrastructure managers, yard/terminal managers, railway undertakings and maintenance contractors
- To reduce the gap between timetable planning and operational traffic.
To develop a demonstrator and perform demonstration in TRL 6. To assess the maturity of planning and decision support methods used in this project.
WP03 - Intelligent Video Gate
The overall aim is to optimize a fully operational terminal with an intelligent video gate and the data management to enable fast and reliable detection of incoming and outgoing assets. Through automatic detection of the wagon numbers and intermodal loading units (ILU) handled, their sequence as well as visible damages, processes at terminals and yards can be optimized. In addition, a terminal design that allows efficient dwell times and handling is a prerequisite. Based on these insights the main objectives are:
- Replacement of manual physical checks and manual data collection
- Acceleration of the terminal operation process, reduction of dwell times for trains, trucks and ILU
- Management of train set-up procedures at terminal providing tools to save activities currently in use
- Increase of handling capacity, improvement of supply chain safety and security
- Improve interoperability and increase attractiveness of intermodal transport
- Enhance data exchange between terminals
The aim is to define, develop and install intelligent video gates in two pilot sites. Intelligent video gates will consist of hardware for the rail gate (power supply, lights etc., imaging components (cameras, sensors, etc.) and software (for object capturing, recognition and data processing etc.).
TD 5.3 - Smart Freight Wagon Concepts
The main objective of the ‘Smart Freight Wagon Concepts’ (TD 5.3) is to produce technical demonstrations of the next generation of freight bogies and freight wagons, in order to prove their competitiveness and show that a rail freight option is equal to the freight market demands of the year 2020+, so that a change in modal split becomes feasible.
Implementation within IP5 projects
WP3 - Telematics & electrification
The objective of this work package is the development of telematics technologies (including hardware, software and algorithms), which will provide essential input information for different applications such as condition based and predictive maintenance, logistic services, traffic management, real time network management and intelligent gate terminals. The development comprises a wagon On-Board Unit, different modules of a wagon and cargo monitoring system for maintenance and logistic purposes, systems for on board and wayside communication.
The wOBU (Wagon On-board unit ) and referenced components focused at this stage will be the basis for being able to implement applications, such as automatic train set-up functionalities as well as a technical solution to provide information about the train (train integrity and end of train (EoT)) to the Traffic Management System (TMS).
WP4 - Running gear, core and extended market wagon
24This work package will create the framework and functional requirements for the development of a track friendly, low weight, low noise high speed Running Gear capable to run under standard wagon bodies and the freight wagons 2020 State of the art technologies and relevant research activities regarding all relevant aspects of freight transport will be compiled.
Initial investigations on vehicle-track interaction (vehicle dynamics, wheel-rail wear and damage, etc.) and strength will be carried out. Next, life cycle costs (LCC) will be assessed according to the KPIs developed in WP1 (interaction with Universal Cost Model from Roll2Rail) resulting in a prioritised concept.
In the final stage of the project this prioritized concept will be further developed as basis for the development of a technical demonstrator of the next generation Running Gear and Core Market Wagon.
A further focus of the project will be set on optimizing the acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of the wagon design. .
Acoustic and aero acoustic noise sources will be identified and evaluated for potential reduction.
WP6 - High level system architecture and integration
This work package is focused in two areas;
- the information system (which combines telematics applications and condition based and predictive maintenance), and
- The technical and process systems (which includes running gear, core and new market wagons, and automatic couplings).
The objective for this WP is the alignment and synchronization of the high level system architectures (information systems and technical and process systems) between each WP to ensure an overall picture and enable the future integration of the developed subsystems among them and with other systems in other projects within the Shift2Rail.
The scope of this Work Package is to develop a lightweight wagon concept, and analyse and test the most critical aspects related to the novel conceptual design.
Objectives:
- Select and assess the relevant candidate materials for lightweight rail vehicle structures (wagon frame, bogie and body);
- Design new optimised structural solutions for lightweight freight vehicles, using the most promising selected materials;
- Validation of new lightweighting concepts through modelling and simulation techniques (structural strength and impacts on vehicle dynamics);
- Validation of new lightweighting concepts through laboratory testing of critical components, subassemblies and joints (structural strength and resistance to external factors).
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.
WP01 - Wagon Design & Automatic Coupling
The work is a consistent continuation of the work done in the FR8RAIL project. In order to push forward the development of the next generation freight wagon, the research and development in the following areas is proposed:
- General specifications for a multi-purpose next generation freight wagon, including the bogie, and its final development.
- Development of components, subsystems as well as the overall system in a multidisciplinary approach, including specifications for flexible use in current wagons when possible. This includes a bogie with excellent dynamic, protection from track derailment, wheel, track and curving-friendly running gear.
- Modular lightweight, aerodynamic optimized and low noise wagon design with an integration of brakes, vehicle & goods monitoring systems, being an enabler for effective vehicle monitoring systems and predictive maintenance strategies.
- Development of an automatic coupling solution for freight vehicles in Europe and the definition of a consistent migration plan for its implementation.
- Proof of concept for the extended market wagon 2020 and its subsystems, functional mock-up of a full-scale core market wagon.
WP02 - Wagon Intelligence
Freight Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) will be enabled by the intelligent wagon based on Telematics and Electrification. Based on the results of FR8RAIL project the objectives of this work package are aligned towards developing the wagon intelligence:
- Specification of the intelligent wagon and development of the subsystems (WMS, CMS, wOBU, FTSMS) (T2.1 and T2.2)
- Specification of the integration of the telematics (WMS, CMS, wOBU, FTSMS) with the new wagon design including new wheels and axles (WP1), with Automatic Coupler (WP1), with Access and Operation and Novel Terminal, Hubs, Marshalling yards, Sidings (WP3) and with CBM including target process, aggregation of wagon data and web-interface for train data visualization. (T2.3).
- Definition of demonstration activities and test scenarios (T2.4)
WP08 - Conditioned Based Maintenance
The overarching objective of this work package is to expand the scope defined in FR8RAIL, by scaling the condition based and predictive maintenance (CBM) transformation efforts to other relevant locomotive types within Europe. To pioneer such an expansion, it is proposed to firstly focus on one locomotive class that is operated in several European countries (i.e. class 66 and 77). This may include:
- The identification of the most relevant components for continuous supervision for the locomotive class types 66, 77 and Bombardier TRAXX3
- Enablement of knowledge transfer between local legal entities in terms of best practices identified in previous project phases in Germany. The proposed scope of this work package should, moreover, be seen as integral preparations for the completion of work packages to be proposed to answer the AWP 2019.
WP04 - Extended Market Wagon
This work package will create the final basis for realising the prototype of the Extended Market Wagon (EMW) for intermodal application in the next step and the final project within Shift2Rail. It is in full consistency to the relevant work performed in the projects FR8RAIL I, FR8RAIL II on the market segments and its requirements to be served by the new wagon. The objective of WP4 is the system integration of all components and subsystems of the fully equipped EMW in all relevant dimensions into the mechanical and electrical design of the wagon and the intended logical and physical structure of the full train set. Furthermore, the approval concept according to TSI noise for this non UIC wagon concept will be developed in WP 4. The tasks within WP 4 will therefore focus on the following areas:
- Integration of the safe wOBU: mechanical, electrical and logical into the wagon and the defined sensor network defined in TD 5.3 of Shift2Rail to create the basis for the Safe-Train-Integrity System (STI)
- Integration of the processing of automatic coupler, automatic corner lockings and the Electronic Brake Control (EBC) into the Safe-Train-Integrity System for the wagon operation
- Final specification of the concrete wagon type for swap body transport logistic and the needed components form suppliers: wheel, suspension, damping, disc brake system, EBC, coupling, corner lockings Approval concept.
WP05 - Extended Market Wagon
Telematics and Electrification will enable the intelligent wagon. This intelligent wagon will bring new functions related to digitalization and automation, such as, CBM, Cargo Monitoring, Automatic Train Configuration, and many other. On the one hand, telematics will contribute to the collection, transmission and usage of the necessary information from and for the wagon by means of the wOBU (wagon On-board Unit). On the other hand, electrification will be responsible for supplying the required energy to the telematics by means of the Energy Management System (EMS). Based on the results of previous S2R IP5 projects the objectives of this work package are aligned towards completing the development of the intelligent wagon:
- Definition of additional functionalities for the intelligent wagon based on telematics and electrification.
- Development intelligent wagon subsystems, i.e. weighting system, wagon intelligence algorithms for localization, freight brakes, etc.
- Definition of the integration of telematics on the wagons.
- Definition of the test protocol and field test areas for the subsystems and functionalities of the intelligent wagon.
- Testing of subsystems and functionalities of the intelligent wagon.
The result of the previous work in the previous stages of the project is a functional mock-up CMW, which by its parameters represents the first in the European market in terms of existing covered wagons with sliding side walls. This Project in itself embodies all the benefits and features of a 5L (low weight….) Wagon that has been optimized to the best possible extent using long-term experience combined with modern technology. In order to meet the requirements of the 5L wagon, it is important to mention the FR8RAIL-bogie chassis developed in parallel, which was presented with the CMW at the Innotrans exhibition in Berlin in 2018.
The activities in WP05 are seamlessly linked to the results and outputs achieved under FR8RAIL I (in particular WP01 and WP04) and FR8RAIL II (in particular WP01, WP02 and WP05). It is based on the successful completion in this framework of Task 1.1 Core Wagon design (FR8RAIL II), as described in TD 5.3 –Smart Freight Wagon Concepts of the Draft Shift2Rail Multi Annual Action Plan, Part B (20 May 2019). The CMW will contribute to increased reliability of the freight transport due to its integrated solutions for telematics and electrification. The challenges are to increase the payload per meter of train by means of lightweight design. Optimized aerodynamics and acoustics will contribute to a greener and more efficient operation.
The main objective is to increase the attractiveness of rail freight transport, including by means of a new smart wagon meeting all 5L parameters. Attractiveness lies mainly in the possibility of transporting pallet material, white and black electronics, food and moisture-sensitive material that provides the opportunity to replace road transport. In connection with the aforementioned modern technologies, its competitiveness is at a high level.
The subsequent work in the FR8RAIL IV project will focus and combine blocks 5.3.1 Running Gear and 5.3.2 Core market wagon. It will contribute to the vision of smart, ecological, efficient propulsion technologies by means of a modern and innovative lightweight wagon structure with reduced aerodynamic drag and with optimized running gear.
In FR8RAIL IV a demonstrator will be developed and built, consisting of an Aluminium bogie suitable for CMW, which means also for the existing UIC and TSI freight wagons. This will increase the wagon load capacity by nearly 900 kg. The modified and improved CMW will integrate elements for automatic coupling, monitoring, brakes and telematics. It is particularly important that the CMW not only remain as a result of development on paper, but that it is cost-effective and attractive to the customer. The benefits of the chassis designed and manufactured in the FR8RAIL I and FR8RAIL II phases, will be integrated into the new Aluminium solution. This solution will enter the CMW and as a whole will achieve the aforementioned benefits, in particular weight, and LCC enhancement, with an emphasis on product manufacturing and marketability.
In this work package the wagon design concept and the demonstrator will undergo operational field tests, where we can integrate the best solutions and results from FR8RAIL I and FR8RAIL II collaboration. Laboratory tests with the new bogie for the CMW as well as a field test of the innovative brake disc will also be performed.
WP06 - Extended Market Wagon
This work is a consistent continuation of the work done in the FR8RAIL (WP4 Smart Wagon concepts), II (WP 1 Wagon Design & Automatic Coupler) and III (WP 4 WP4 Extended Market Wagon) project. It is based on the successful completion in this framework of
Task 1.2 Extended Wagon design, as described in
TD 5.3 –Smart Freight Wagon Concepts of the
Draft Shift2Rail Multi Annual Action Plan, Part B (20 May 2019). The subsequent work in the FR8RAIL IV project will focus on the
Task 5.3.4 Complete freight wagon demonstrator and deliver the building blocks
5.3.1 Running Gear and
5.3.2 Core market wagon. It will contribute to the vision of smart, ecological, efficient propulsion technologies by means of a modern and innovative lightweight wagon structure with reduced aerodynamic drag and with optimized running gear.
For the demonstration of the high potential of a new freight wagon, its structure with an innovative running gear system, according to the specifications defined in FR8RAIL, and under consideration of the conceptual design developed in FR8RAIL II and FR8RAIL III, will be confirmed. It is based on a two-axle wagon solution, provided with a new running gear design that fosters weight reduction and an improved steering capacity in order to minimize wear and damage of rail and wheels. The wagon will be realized as a rollable physical demonstrator (up to TRL 6) under consideration of the frame conditions. Furthermore it will be the base for the further integration and demonstration of the components which are necessary e.g. for the electrification of the wagon.
In order to achieve the addressed issues and to push forward the development of the next generation freight wagon, research and development in the following areas is proposed:
- Detailing of a new wagon design
- Systematic improvement and development of a structural and lightweight-design-optimized car body structure
- Develop further the novel running gear design concept based on methodical approaches under consideration of frame conditions
- Construction of a rollable physical demonstrator of the wagon including all relevant components such as couplers, brakes, running gear, WOBU, Wagon Monitoring System (WMS), which consists of a DPU and sensors for condition monitoring, brake control and others etc.
- Development of optimal train composition in terms of aerodynamic drag reduction
- Extensive measurement campaigns with a 20-foot Swap body container which has been developed in the framework of the FR8RAIL II project. It is equipped with sensors to determine the acting wind forces and characteristics of the boundary layer. It also provides a platform for field tests of OBU equipment.
- The influence of material properties on wheel rail wear will be further studied. Different contact laws developed in FR8RAIL I and II will be implemented in Wear Simulation Programs and the benefits achieved by using improved material combinations will be assessed.
In this work package the wagon design concept is laid out and detailed based on the achieved results in FR8RAIL II and the frame conditions (e.g. of the specification inFR8RAIL I). This includes the wagon design and the mechanical architecture with the possible geometries for the main parts. Concepts for the integration of the electrification of the wagon from FR8Rail III are considered here along with the impact on the Wagon structure that will be completed to the necessary detail for the prototype demonstration.
WP07 - Telematics and electrification
Freight Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) will be enabled by the intelligent wagon based on Telematics and Electrification. Based on the results of previous S2R IP5 projects, the objectives of this work package are aligned towards completing the demonstrators of the intelligent wagon with regards to the interoperability of the system:
- Integration of the demonstrator of the intelligent wagon based on telematics and electrification (T7.1).
- Demonstration activities of the intelligent wagon based on telematics and electrification (T7.2).
The main objective of this WP is to test the features of the wagon On-Board Unit (wOBU), focusing on the communications for the Wireless backbone infrastructure. This infrastructure is composed by several wagon On-Board Units (wOBU) wirelessly interconnected. Along this infrastructure, several services can be provided. The provided services which are centralized by the wOBU in this demonstrator are CMS, WMS, OTI, Positioning and Automatic Coupler.
The scope is to demonstrate the feasibility of a Wireless communication backbone infrastructure along freight trains able to provide seamless on-board communications services for sensors and service layer applications. The main impact is providing added-value services for wagon and cargo monitoring applications in real-time using the Wireless Train Network along the freight composition. The demonstrator will set the basis for the subsequent demonstrators related to telematics and electrification planned on the FR8RAIL IV Project, Communications and wOBU will be validated on the initial demonstrator. The demonstrator is related to Telematics & Electrification (TD5.3 Wagon Design) and it is close linked with Core Market Wagon Demonstrator and Extended Marked Wagon Demonstrator.
TD 5.4 - New Freight Propulsion Concepts
The ‘New Freight Propulsion Concepts’ (TD 5.4) The focus of this TD is on improving the overall performance of today’s locomotives by adding and integrating additional functionalities and technologies. Future locomotives will Provide extreme flexibility for operation in non-electrified and in electrified lines, Hybridization of locomotives offering electric traction for shunting operations / low speed operations etc, Feature remote control for distributed power, thus, allowing the increase of the train length up to 1500m and consequently improving the cost efficiency of rail transport,; Increase the operational efficiency by automating various activities such as train start-up, train preparation, start of mission, stabling and parking, generally shunting..
Implementation within IP5 projects
WP02 - System Integration & Technical Coordination
This Work Package aims at establishing an efficient system integration and technical coordination between the Work Packages 3 to 5 and other IPs. The objectives are to:
- Look for synergies among the work packages and share results;
- Look for synergies with other IP’s and share results (e.g. IP1-TD5 Brakes: CONNECTA project);
- Align the requirement specifications among the work packagers, where possible;
- Keep the alignment with the overall objectives of the project (aligned with WP1);
- Contribute to any relevant decision at WP level on issues that may affect the achievement of the overall objectives of the project.
WP03 - Future Freight Locomotives
This work package will focus on two main areas, being one the bogie design, with respect to low wear, noise emission, and the other various hybridization concepts including the integration of energy storage systems.
The objectives are to:
- Develop innovative designs for the next generation 4 and 6 axle bogies featuring massive reduction of wheel and track wear and lower noise emissions. The designs shall be proven by laboratory demonstrators. These efforts are of paramount importance for rail freight operators as the successful implementation will reduce overall costs (some network operators start to introduce track access charging schemes ), and as they will improve the acceptance of the freight trains in the neighbourhoods of railway lines. Maximum noise emissions of #82dB will be a standard in near future;
- Develop new hybridization concepts for future propulsion systems, demonstrated in the lab.
WP04 - Full Electric Last Mile Propulsion System
The aim of this work package is to successfully integrate, commission and certificate powerful Li-Ion batteries in mainline railways applications, with a focus on full electric last mile propulsion use cases, thus with batteries having high energy and power density. Besides technical aspects, such as an efficient cooling system, a precise mission and energy management, the safety aspect is of high relevance. The safety case and assessment will be done and the final certification addressed. At this point it must be said that there are still no norms and standards for the integration of Li-Ion batteries and one of the reasons, why such batteries are not yet employed. Additionally to the work mentioned above, standardization shall be pushed and if possible, norms formulated.
This work package aims to establish solid and consistent specifications for technological solutions that enable longer and heavier trains to be operated and to define the architecture bringing together the different technologies.
The work package contains two parallel activities, being the definition of the business requirements and the development of the prototype
Activity 1 includes:
- Technology and patent research
- Definition of the functional requirements
- Numeric simulation of train configurations
- Operational concept and disturbance management
- Development of a business case
- Definition of stakeholder management and public involvement
Activity 2 (development of the prototype) includes:
- System specification, according to consolidated operational modes and assessed safety requirements
- Subsystem and system development
- Test of braking performances on real train simulator and laboratory verification
- System integration on two locomotives
- Implementation of a prototype and pilot on a test run for validation and with a limited set of runs needed to demonstrate in a protected environment (multiple drivers, extra safety expedients) the operability of the train.
WP2 - Next Generation of Freight Locomotive’s Bogie
The main objective of this WP is to specify, design and develop the necessary concepts that will allow a locomotive freight bogie to reduce wheel and track wear (being more track friendly) and to have lower noise and lower LCC. To achieve this, the WP will focus on:
- Materials with freight vehicle applicability that allow a lighter bogie frame.
- Noise optimized wheelsets and noise absorbing structure in order to reduce the running gear related noise.
- Passive and mechatronic systems for radial steering of bogies, which will allow improved running performances compared to conventional bogies. In particular, significant reduction of wheel wear and damage (track friendly), improved traction in curves and reduced resistance to motion in sharp curves will be achieved. Lower wheel / rail forces will diminish wear rates and hence maintenance costs.
- Monitoring of the most maintenance cost-intensive bogie elements, in order to contribute to lower LCC and to improve the reliability and availability of the locomotive.
The above concepts will be integrated and implemented in a three axle freight bogie model in order to evaluate the feasibility and the final impacts and benefits. The application will probably be done in a 3 axle bogie freight locomotive, which gives the right performances for heavy freight transport and is in line with Shift2Rail MAAP, which aims at developing innovative bogies for 6 axle locomotives.
By the end of the project, the following impacts will be achieved by this WP:
- Lower noise, thanks to optimized wheelsets and noise absorbing structures
- Lower wheel-rail forces, wheel and track wear, due to the passive and mechatronic systems
- Lower LCC for the track and the locomotive, due to the developed track friendly concept and to the conditioned monitoring
- Improved traction performance, due to better curving behaviour deliver by the passive and mechatronic systems.
WP3 - Technical solution for regular operation of 1,500 m long freight trains
Based on deliverables from the FP7 Marathon project, this work package aims to close open technical points. The train configuration therefore consists of two freight trains of up to 750 m length each that are coupled together with a leading master locomotive (with driver) and a slave locomotive (without driver) in the middle of the long train. The master locomotive controls the slave locomotive through radio communication. It is also assumed that the train is equipped with the traditional UIC pneumatic braking system and that the vehicles are connected through traditional buffers and couplers.
The main technical challenge in this long-train freight concept is the risk of damage and derailment at certain braking scenarios, in particular involving lack of radio communication, and at certain wagon and payload compositions. This challenge is addressed in this WP, along with the need to adapt existing rail infrastructure to host and support this kind of long-train operation.
The objectives of the present WP are:
- To define functional and technical requirements of radio controlled traction and braking
- To propose safety precautions in train configuration and brake application
- To identify adaptions needed in the infrastructure for long-train operation.
- Coordination with the project originating from the call FFL4E is needed.
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.
WP05 - Freight Automation
This work package aims at defining and developing concepts and requirements for automating the train preparation phase for a further increase of efficiency and safety. The objectives are:
- List, analyse and evaluate the various activities performed during the freight train preparation phase
- Select the three activities with the highest impact and develop the concepts and the functional requirement specification for automating these.
- Develop detailed technical specification develop and demonstrate some of these activities.
WP06 - Freight Propulsion
This work package aims at finalizing the developing of the last mile propulsion systems tackled in WP4 of the FFL4E project (full electric last mile propulsion) and in WP6 of the FR8HUB project (evaluation and design of innovative powerful last mile propulsion system). The overall objectives are:
- Detailed integration and pre-development work for the next generation last mile propulsion system selected in FR8HUB (schematics, mechanical integration work, integration into the locomotive communication control, etc)
- Development of the mission manager, responsible for the energy management while in last mile mode
- Evaluate and develop intelligent energy efficient driving and parking modes.
This WP continues with the activities started in FFL4E aiming at the final goal of a system capable of running trains with Distributed Power up to 1,500m trains. FFL4E has been focusing on the base functionality and its demonstration. FR8RAIL II is going to refine the functionality for regular operations. The objectives of the WP are:
- Development of Distributed Power System (DPS) for freight trains in Europe
- Enhance functionality of DPS for regular operations
- Feasibility of trains up to 1,500 m from technological, operational and safety perspective
- Operation of DPS in demonstrator trains
Project Management: This WP aims at ensuring strategic and technical, as well as administrative and financial, coordination of the whole project.
WP2 - System definition to transmit traction and braking commands
System definition to transmit traction and braking commands: This WP specifies the characteristics of the GSM-R, the train makeups, the types of wagons, the parameters variation and establishes all possible operative conditions (included degraded modes). It performs also the sensitivity analysis and a risk assessment based on the relative approach.
WP3 - Simulation of in-train forces within an integrated safety analysis
Simulation of in-train forces within an integrated safety analysis: This WP integrates the GSM-R radio technology in the existing Traction Unit and Distributed Power System provided by S2R-CFM-IP5-01-2018 partners; it also perform statistical simulations to set the suitable limits for different train makeups, in terms of hauled mass, wagons characteristics and so on. In this WP, the safety analysis on the two demonstrators identified in cooperation with S2R-CFM-IP5-01-2018 partners is accomplished.
WP06 - Freight Loco of the Future
The overall aim is to further improve the high-power propulsion system of mainline freight locomotive (including the auxiliary network) to lower significantly the LCC and TCO of the traction chain. The goal is to reduce the operating costs of the freight locos, which are directly impacted by the energy costs.
The main objectives are:
- Development of a highly efficient, minimized volume, medium frequency SiC-based auxiliary power supply. This activity consists of a study and the development of a small-scale lab prototype.
- Evaluation of applicable SiC elements for usage in high voltage converters considering results of the IP1 PINTA project. This activity consists of an evaluation matrix.
- Proof of concept for higher switching frequencies for high voltage converters applications using increased dv/dt to minimize system losses of power traction chain. This activity consists of a study and the development of a small-scale lab demonstrator. Development and validation of a new battery module based on automotive/industrial cells for rolling stock application. This task will be directly linked with the WP6 tasks being carried out in FR8HUB.
WP08 - Long Trains with Distributed Power
This WP continues the activities started in FFL4E and FR8RAIL II aiming at the final goal of a system capable of running trains with Distributed Power up to 1,500 m. FFL4E and FR8RAIL II has been focusing on the development and demonstration of the basic Distributed Power technology. FR8RAIL IV focuses on preparing the regular operation of Distributed Power in European rail freight sector. The objectives of the WP are:
- Further Refinement of Distributed Power Technology
- Development of concepts for migration the railway system to bring Distributed Power into regular service
- Development of concepts to use Distributed Power in older loco fleet
TD 5.5 - Business analytics & implementation strategies
The main objective of the ‘Business analytics and implementation strategies’ (TD 5.5) This TD ensures that IP5 develops technologies in line with the market needs and with sound plans for introductions into the market. This is provided by migration plans for implementing new technology solutions on a large scale, identifying market segments and developing specifications and Key Performance Indicators for freight.
Implementation within IP5 projects
WP1 - Business analytics, KPIs, top level requirements
The objectives are as follows:
- Identification of Market Segments and its requirements in the transport market to defend and expand the market share of freight rail business.
- Development of high level technical specifications
- Development of Key Performance Indicators for the whole IP 5 Programme
WP6 - High level system architecture and integration
This work package is focused in two areas;
- the information system (which combines telematics applications and condition based and predictive maintenance), and
- The technical and process systems (which includes running gear, core and new market wagons, and automatic couplings).
The objective for this WP is the alignment and synchronization of the high level system architectures (information systems and technical and process systems) between each WP to ensure an overall picture and enable the future integration of the developed subsystems among them and with other systems in other projects within the Shift2Rail.
WP1 - Benchmark, Market Drivers and Specifications
The scope of this Work Package is to outline the foundation and terms of reference of the project for the three areas of investigation in the project’s work streams, and the integration of the work in those areas.
Objectives:
- Identify and assess the market drivers in rail freight, particularly in relation with the three areas envisaged by the INNOWAG work streams;
- Provide a benchmark of the current technologies, technical solutions and procedures in the three areas envisaged by the INNOWAG work streams;
- Define the requirements, technical specifications, and operational specifications for the innovative technologies and technical solutions envisaged by INNOWAG work streams, in view of an integrated system.
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.