This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
ADVANCED RAIL CONTROL


Trends: Advanced Rail Control Systems (ARCS)


Automated train control and signalling technologies are an area of increasing interest and investment in the rail sector worldwide. With systems such as European Rail Traffi c Management System (ERTMS) and communications- based train control (CBTC) scheduled for deployment, Matt Phillips, head of Interfl eet Technology’s Advanced Railway Control Systems (ARCS) division, explores this technology area and both the benefi ts and potential pitfalls of delivery.


Industry trends P


lans to introduce new railway control systems such as ERTMS, CBTC and state of the art


Traffi c Management Systems (TMS) present the biggest shift that the UK rail network has seen for decades. In the UK alone, the shift to these ARCS solutions will play a major role in many important rail programmes – including Thameslink, Crossrail and HS2. It will also impact upon metro system improvements such as the London Underground and Glasgow Subway, which are both considering a move to more automated options with the aim of improving capacity and fl exibility.


Benefi ts


Implementing ARCS technologies brings several benefi ts, including:


Safety: The implementation of ARCS will see marked safety benefi ts, as the technologies deliver higher levels of automatic train protection, providing more control and reducing hazards. In addition, operators hold a greater amount of data on their trains, providing increased levels of control over the railway in case of accident or emergency. When faced with an issue, immediate access to all data allows greater visibility and the ability to make informed, effective decisions. Problems can be more rapidly resolved, meaning less network downtime and fewer delays.


Capacity: Higher levels of automation deliver signifi cant increases in capacity, as improved effi ciencies result in more throughput. Real-time technology also allows for better planning and timetabling, as well as a more rapid and targeted response to disruption.


Ease of maintenance/reduced whole life costs: The switch to onboard technology also reduces the need for installation, maintenance and power supplies for a growing proportion of line-side signalling equipment. This is particularly the case with CBTC systems in metro environments but also true to a lesser extent with ERTMS solutions.


48 | rail technology magazine Dec/Jan 13 Pitfalls


The largest and perhaps most challenging aspects that the roll-out will face is the integration of onboard signalling systems with the vehicles themselves.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92