International Railway Journal - May 2008 - (Page 40)

Railway research which are not yet standardised. An appropriate means of verifying generic system architectures is a multiphysics simulation for complex systems, which includes realistic operational principles. A test train will run for one year in normal operation equipped with measurement equipment to observe control system operation and to measure energy consumption for air-conditioning. defines the functional and operational requirements of the train driver’s workplace in a harmonised manner as agreed by European operators. Three test campaigns were carried out using a simulator in Lille, France. These tests represent the most in-depth analysis on the train driver’s workplace ever undertaken in Europe. Using the results of these tests, the framework of an EN on train driver’s cab layout has been produced. Manufacturers and operators are now committed to establish a working group under the umbrella of the CEN TC256 to transfer the results of EUCab into the European standard. The international harmonisation of the human-machine interface (HMI) for passengers and train staff has been the focus of the EUPax working group, which has developed specifications for train door operation, passenger information systems, safety alarm systems, and devices for passengers with reduced mobility (for example, toilets and guidance devices). The test results serve to improve the existing standard, EN 14752 Railway applications - body side entrance systems. The main objective of the EUCoupler working group was to specify the interoperable data link between trains and locomotives. It represents an important milestone towards the vision of an open coupling - the seamless connection between trains from different operators all over Europe. Modcontrol’s responsibilities within Modtrain cover standardisation of TCMS functions and the interfaces between the TCMS and the train subsystems. A first step towards achieving this has been to produce a detailed functional breakdown structure (FBS) of the rolling stock functions, including TCMS functions. The FBS is the result of a joint DIN-Modtrain project, and the results have been submitted to CEN for further standardisation. In addition, Modcontrol Safety Group - a team of safety experts from Alstom, Bombardier and Siemens - has carried out a qualitative safety analysis of the train functions and sub-functions of the FBS. This analysis included hazard identification, risk analysis and hazard control analysis. After four years of research, Modtrain held its final conference in Paris last month, to reflect upon the very significant results that have been achieved. Some of them, such as the functional breakdown structure, are already being used in the industry while others are now in the CEN/ Cenelec standardisation pipeline. Modtrain has successfully proved that bringing together the supply industry, operators and research institutes can improve the competitiveness of the rail industry by delivering workable prestandards. IRJ The author would like to thank the following for their contribution to this article: Antoine Loraillère (Unife), Paolo Belforte (University Politecnico Milano) Bernd Laska (Siemens), Martin Schober (Bombardier), Thomas Meissner (FAV), Antonello Gallone (AnsaldoBreda), and Jean-Pierre Gilbert (Alstom). Modpower The Modpower standardisation process concluded with specifications for valuable auxiliary loads, which have a widespread use within the auxiliary system. Dynamic system operation can be accurately simulated using a detailed control system model, which describes communication between the subsystems and the high level control of a train. The applied system simulation shows system performance and behaviour of the train control functions as well as operation of representative products of the three electric energy supply systems. The centralised variable frequency supply for HVAC units is a particular challenge if electric as well as thermal effects have to be simulated. The multiphysics simulation has been used to investigate this interdisciplinary electric and thermal behaviour, together with its complex communication between subsystems and train control and monitoring system (TCMS). This has allowed Modpower to develop optimised control strategies for the precontrol realised by the central auxiliary converter and the individual vehicle control by the HVAC unit itself. The desired temperature and expected energy savings can only be achieved with an optimised control principle. In addition, this kind of simulation is able to calculate expected energy savings in a complex climatic environment. Specifications prepared by Modpower have been accepted by Cenelec TC9X as draft versions for technical specifications and EN standards. In conclusion, the systematic approach applied by Modpower has succeeded in tracing back technical solutions to its operational and functional requirements, and was the key to achieving consensus. As part of the Modlink project, the EUCab working group aimed to achieve Europe-wide harmonisation of driving cabs. In particular, the operational requirements specification (ORS) Migration The EUCoupler team has worked closely with Modcontrol to define a comprehensive set of communication services for future Modbogie has been studying the implementation. standardisation of bogie components, mountings and dimensions. It consists of a migration concept comprising an automatic coupler (Type 10) promoting the transition of some existing train lines into a new secured link protocol; Ethernet technology is included and used for maintenance and data transmission. 40 IRJ May 2008

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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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