International Railway Journal - May 2008 - (Page 39)

Railway research Setting new standards for new rolling stock The use of disparate and incompatible technology in rolling stock is seen as an issue that must be overcome if rail is to achieve true interoperability in Europe. Francis Delooz, senior advisor to the International Union of Railways (UIC), explains how the Modtrain project has attempted to produce a set of international standards that will shape future generations of European trains. T HE Modtrain project, or to give it its full title Innovative Modular Vehicle Concepts for an Integrated European Railway System, has just been completed after four years of research. The objective was to define and prove the necessary functional, electrical and mechanical interfaces and validation procedures to deliver a range of interchangeable modules, which will form the basis for the next generation of intercity trains and universal locomotives. The concept of modularity is to provide economic benefits for both suppliers and operators, including reduced manufacturing costs, enhanced economies of scale, increased productivity of new rolling stock, and improved reliability based on the broader use of service-proven components in rolling stock design. Co-financed by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, the ƒ30.4 million Modtrain project brought together 37 railway industry partners including system integrators, operators, and subsystem suppliers as well as research centres and universities. Modtrain addresses four principle areas of train architecture and this is reflected by the sub-project structure: running gear (Modbogie) train control and monitoring systems (Modcontrol) on-board power systems (Modpower), and man-machine and train-to-train interfaces (Modlink). A further project to develop standardised braking systems, Modbrake, began two years later to complete the portfolio of sub-projects that make up Modtrain. Some findings of the project are now being considered by the European standardisation organisations (CEN/Cenelec) with the aim of making them future European Norms (EN). Modbogie examined standardisation issues, and the need to harmonise functional and physical interfaces, operational requirements and acceptance procedures for the interchangeable modules that will equip the next generation of high-speed trains. Modbogie’s activities have been focused on the definition of interchangeable bogie components, such as dampers and wheelsets, together with the relevant testing and acceptance procedures, which are based on two principles: the complete standardisation of overall dimensions and mountings (geometrical interchangeability), and harmonisation of performance (full interchangeability). Modpower covered onboard energy supply and distribution systems. Onboard electrical supply is required for the three different subsystems: traction, the auxiliary power supply, and uninterruptible low-voltage supply. An analysis of systems used on modern passenger rolling stock showed a wide variety of different solutions are currently being employed, particularly in auxiliary power supply and energy distribution systems, IRJ May 2008 39

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International Railway Journal - May 2008 Contents This Month News Transit News Market News Technology News News Analysis Italian Railways on the Road to Recovery High-Speed: On the Home Straight Korea Develops High-Speed Ambitions Setting New Standards for New Rolling Stock India Solves Traction Motor Conundrum Weathering the Storm with Climatic Testing Technology Drives US Train Inspections Rendezvous Full Contact List Advertisers Index The Last Word

International Railway Journal - May 2008

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