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The FP5-TRANS4M-R project, co-funded by the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, aims to develop and test innovative technologies for rail freight transport. The project includes large-scale demonstrators in different European regions while installing a train test lab to allow for an agile approach testing various prototypes and ensuring the overall system integration. One of the demonstration trains is running in Switzerland and it has made substantial strides in testing , which include automated brake tests, train composition detection, train integrity monitoring, and automatic uncoupling. These functionalities were tested under real operating conditions using a specially equipped prototype train.
Project Execution and Test Environment
The FP5-TRANS4M-R demo train being tested in Switzerland was based on the mechanical and pneumatic center buffer coupler (DAC2) currently used in Switzerland. Thistest train was equipped with the Powerline PLUS technology, which forms the train backbone communication system. This system enables transmission of Ethernet/IP data packets between the locomotive and all wagons in the train via the 400 VAC train power cable.
The test train consisted of four test wagons, two intermediate/adapter wagons, and an equipment and measurement wagon that emulated the locomotive’s functionalities. Standard SBB Cargo locomotives were used for mainline runs and shunting operations but were not integrated into the test system.
From February to December 2023, conducted extensive tests, including static and coupling tests, shunting tests, and test runs covering a total distance of 4,211 kilometers. The test environment was set up in Lupfig, Aargau, Switzerland, with additional tests carried out in various locations, as in Dottikon, Wildegg, and Basel Marshalling Yard.
Key Findings and Achievements
The tests focused on four primary automated train functions train composition detection, automatic brake test, train integrity monitoring, and automatic uncoupling. The results were highly encouraging, demonstrating the prototype realisation of these functions based on the PTB communication system.
Finalisation of the Powerline Train Backbone within EU-Rail R&I programme
Capitalising on the successful test results, the project team confirmed the next R&I steps required to achieve a production-ready solution.
Conclusion
The successful tests of the DAC+ PTB mark a significant achievement in the FP5-TRANS4M-R project. The demonstrated automated train functions based on the PTB communication system are promising for the future of digital freight trains. The journey towards a production-ready solution the project team is fully engaged and energized to finalized the last R&I steps and work towards achieving a standardised, interoperable set of solutions for the Full Digital Freight Train Operations (FDFTO).
The ongoing development and testing in the FP5-TRANS4M-R project that will contribute to CENELEC standardis through the EU-Rail System Pillar process , will ensure that the DAC technology is ready for widespread adoption in the rail freight industry.
As the project progresses, the goal remains to create a financial suitable and effective driven, reliable, efficient, and fully automated digital freight train system that could revolutionise rail freight transport across Europe.
[1] PTB (Powerline Plus Train Backbone) is one of the communication technologies for the data backbone of the future freight train
[3] https://rail-research.europa.eu/european-dac-delivery-programme/