Business profile
Traffic Management training facility, Norsk Jernbaneskole in Oslo.
Validate While the original safety and business case for full-fidelity simulators was the training and on-going assessment of signallers, their accuracy and flexibility has opened up a number of other uses. As stated above, via complex modelling techniques, TRE is able to replicate the exact signalling infrastructure of any part of the running railway network, including station areas, yards and depot facilities. These can be modelled and changed in a ‘virtual’ way to fully test the integrity of the design, operation and performance of new or revised systems prior to committing to a particular engineering solution, including stage works and multiple phases of the project. This enables specifiers, designers and project managers of major schemes to evaluate prior to implementation, reducing both technical and programme risk from an engineering and operational perspective. Where an area is already modelled in TREsim, minor modifications to control schemes, layouts, timetables and other operational approaches can be quickly and easily evaluated. On larger schemes we can develop the model from first principles including an evaluation of human factors issues around user interfaces – for example the workload effect of allowing a larger geographic area to be controlled on one workstation by a single signaller during periods of reduced traffic. Use of simulation and modelling during the GRIP 1-4 stages of new signalling schemes is recommended to allow the projected layout to be tested by signallers and the capacity tested with the proposed timetable for any pinch-points
and high-risk elements to be identified before the design is committed. The advanced data communications protocols developed by TRE have enabled novel regulation and supervisory systems to be tested in the simulated environment for prototyping and proof of concept without affecting operational performance on the real railway. Network Rail has utilised TREsim within the Traffic Management System Programme where TREsim is being used as the prime evaluation platform against which the three prototype TMS suppliers’ systems will be evaluated.
As with all simulation the earlier TREsim is introduced into the project the greater value it offers – changes at the initial design phase are much cheaper and easier to implement than at later stages. TREsim simulations are a powerful tool in the validation of planned changes to infrastructure, timetables, and services with accurate simulation offering a powerful method for validating assumptions and producing better results more quickly, more safely, and more cheaply.
TREsim is a powerful tool that enables rail professionals to predict the results of actions, understand why events occur, and identify problem areas prior to implementation through exploring the effects of modifications. With accurate simulation rail professionals can confirm that all variables are known, evaluate ideas and identify inefficiencies, develop scenarios and response plans, and demonstrate the integrity and feasibility of plans
Control
TRE has expanded its range of solutions into the real time control of the railway
to assist signallers in their day-to-day decision making via the SIL2 Signallers’ Assistant product, known as TREsa, enabling signallers to control a wider area, more consistently and efficiently and helping at time of perturbation. The TREsa system has been designed and developed to meet the Network Rail ARS+ specification (NR/L3/SIG/10120) for automatic route setting. Initially developed in conjunction with the rail operators and a leading signalling supplier, TREsa allows the operators to configure, select, and test variations in operational parameters on a minute-by- minute basis to meet the local operational requirements. This new flexible functionality provides the signaller with a unique tool to actively manage the railway. TREsa has been designed with the hooks in place to facilitate integration with modern signalling control systems. These systems are now going live across the country as part of a programme of upgrades. TREsa is currently working in combination with GE’s MCS control system in the East Kent Signalling Centre as well as in the East Midlands Control Centre at Derby working with a Siemens Westcad control system.
Looking to the future TRE will continue to invest in R&D to further develop its product range and seek ways in which to exploit the features of the current systems and knowledge of its people, both in the domestic and increasingly in overseas markets, helping customers reduce cost, increase reliability and enhance capacity.
•
Tim Gray is the sales and marketing director for TRE. Tel: 01225 860140 Visit
www.trerail.co.uk.
February 2014 Page 135
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