Axle counter based block signalling for safe and efficient train operations
19 Sep 1999-Vol. 2, pp 824-828
TL;DR: Increase in capacity that could result in using axle counter block signalling is reported along with advantages, and a new procedure for block working is proposed which can enhance line capacity by 15-20%.
Abstract: The Indian Railways (IR) network is facing capacity constraint in some routes owing to growth of passenger and freight traffic. The line capacity of the railway network depends on the type of signalling. Block signalling is the method of signalling trains from one station to next. Conventional block signalling using block instrument suffers from a major draw back of proving the complete arrival of main by physical verification by the station master. Further to ensure safety, strict sequential operation procedure of block instrument is being enforced. Any violation in this can cause a failure (through safe side) and lead to detention to traffic. The existing procedure results in joint control of block section between stations by the station masters on either side. This imposes certain capacity constraints. A brief review of present methods of block working in IR network and need for axle counter based block signaling are presented. Increase in capacity that could result in using axle counter block signalling is reported along with advantages. A new procedure for block working is proposed which can enhance line capacity by 15-20%.
Citations
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TL;DR: In this article, an optical fiber sensor signaling system is proposed for the modern railway signaling system, which is completely free from electromagnetic interference, and test results of an installation in a trial system on a busy suburban railway line are given.
Abstract: Railway signaling facilitates two main functions, namely, train detection and train control, in order to maintain safe separations among the trains Track circuits are the most commonly used train detection means with the simple open/close circuit principles; and subsequent adoption of axle counters further allows the detection of trains under adverse track conditions However, with electrification and power electronics traction drive systems, aggravated by the electromagnetic interference in the vicinity of the signaling system, railway engineers often find unstable or even faulty operations of track circuits and axle counting systems, which inevitably jeopardizes the safe operation of trains A new means of train detection, which is completely free from electromagnetic interference, is therefore required for the modern railway signaling system This paper presents a novel optical fiber sensor signaling system The sensor operation, field setup, axle detection solution set, and test results of an installation in a trial system on a busy suburban railway line are given
91 citations
Cites background from "Axle counter based block signalling..."
...Two sets of axle counters are installed at the two ends of a signaling block; and a comparison of wheel passage count of the two axle counters verifies whether there is train occupancy in the block (when the axle counts of the two counters are different) or whether the train has moved away from the block (when the axle counts of the two counters are the same) [3], [4]....
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01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a train detection system that is completely free from electromagnetic interference in the signaling system, which is required for the modern railway signaling system and test results of an installation on a busy suburban railway line are given.
Abstract: Railway signaling facilitates two main functions,
namely, train detection and train control, in order to maintain
safe separations among the trains. Track circuits are the most
commonly used train detection means with the simple open/close
circuit principles; and subsequent adoption of axle counters further
allows the detection of trains under adverse track conditions.
However, with electrification and power electronics traction drive
systems, aggravated by the electromagnetic interference in the
vicinity of the signaling system, railway engineers often find unstable
or even faulty operations of track circuits and axle counting
systems, which inevitably jeopardizes the safe operation of trains.
A new means of train detection, which is completely free from
electromagnetic interference, is therefore required for the modern
railway signaling system. This paper presents a novel optical fiber
sensor signaling system. The sensor operation, field setup, axle
detection solution set, and test results of an installation in a trial
system on a busy suburban railway line are given.
69 citations
TL;DR: This work developed in the frame of the TEN-T project develops a procedure to assess the frequency spectrum of the magnitude of the magnetic field, due to the traction current, at the track level, in terms of tables and frequency spectra.
Abstract: The need of transport interoperability in Europe is a relevant issue nowadays. Particular interest is given to the signaling systems. The TEN-T project focuses one of its workpackages on “EMC Axle Counter Validation.” This work developed in the frame of the TEN-T project develops a procedure to assess the frequency spectrum of the magnitude of the magnetic field, due to the traction current, at the track level. Full-wave 3-D numerical models are developed to predict the field values. The measuring system is previously tested and then used for a measurement campaign. Results are reported in terms of tables and frequency spectra.
13 citations
Cites background from "Axle counter based block signalling..."
...They determine the state of occupation or clearance of a section through the comparison between the number of axles that enter the section and the number of axles which leave it [1]–[3]....
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TL;DR: In this article, a train detection algorithm based on cross-correlation operations was proposed to estimate the train speed, crossing time and axle number. But it requires less equipment than the standard ones and represents a more reliable and robust solution against numerical noise.
Abstract: This paper presents an innovative train detection algorithm, able to perform the train localisation and, at the same time, to estimate its speed, the crossing times on a fixed point of the track and the axle number. The proposed solution uses the same approach to evaluate all these quantities, starting from the knowledge of generic track inputs directly measured on the track (for example, the vertical forces on the sleepers, the rail deformation and the rail stress). More particularly, all the inputs are processed through cross-correlation operations to extract the required information in terms of speed, crossing time instants and axle counter. This approach has the advantage to be simple and less invasive than the standard ones (it requires less equipment) and represents a more reliable and robust solution against numerical noise because it exploits the whole shape of the input signal and not only the peak values. A suitable and accurate multibody model of railway vehicle and flexible track has also been...
13 citations
Cites background from "Axle counter based block signalling..."
...With the increase in vehicle speed and traffic in the modern railways, a robust signalling system is fundamental to ensure the safety and reliable railway services.[1] In particular, the main safety properties of a reliable signalling system are the train detection, the railway traffic monitoring and the speed control on the train in the rear, to manage its movement according to the position of the train in front....
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TL;DR: Signal filtering methods that can be effectively applied to train detection systems based on the axle counter systems that are currently in operation for train detection and provide information on the unoccupied status of railway tracks and turnouts are presented.
Abstract: This paper presents signal filtering methods that can be effectively applied to train detection systems based on the axle counter systems that are currently in operation for train detection and provide information on the unoccupied status of railway tracks and turnouts. Signals from the wheel detectors contain noise, may be impulsive and time-varying, which means that even for the same train, the signals from the following wheels may be different. A problem appears when already homologated hardware (axle counter system) is working in a harsh environment, exposed to disturbances whose parameters significantly exceed standard thresholds. Despite this, the system must continue to provide reliable information. The authors present research on the application of such filters as median, Savitzkey-Golay, and moving average which can be implemented in the equipment currently in use under specific constraints (e.g., limited computational resources). The research results show that appropriately adjusted filters, for example, in terms of type and window size, increase the signal quality and thereby provide reliable information about passing trains, as well as enhance the availability and safety of the axle counter system performance.
10 citations