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Technical enablers

TE03 Enabler 3

Automated parking brake system, digital wagon inspection, DAC based telematics applications, distributed power system, electropneumatic brake and cover important preparatory works incl. train dynamics with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions
Project: FP5 - TRANS4M-R (01/07/2022 - 31/03/2026)

Work Packages

Currently available work packages:

WP02 Operational Procedures, Functional Requirements and Freight System Architecture

The process flow for European seamless rail freight and a future automated full digital freight train operation with all relationships must be described within its physical (such as locomotive/wagon and its subsystems) and a digital (data) layer as a foundation for the specification of the requirements of the technical enablers for a digital-rail-based logistic systems. Target operational processes for all areas in all relevant scenarios (situations/sites/locations) shall be defined.

WP03 FDFTO Train System Architectures and Specification

A common approach for fully functional interoperable and homologated Digital Freight Train Operation (FDFTO) shall be ensured by means of a fully integrated reference system architecture comprising of the various technological advances and developments of the project. The system architecture shall build a foundation for all interconnected tasks: requirement management, variant management, validation tests, RAMS analysis. The work package aim is designing and harmonization of a functional reference system for the FDFTO architecture with a focus purely on functionality    not on the technical solution: Both a physical reference system architecture (layout of physical entities and interfaces) and a digital reference system architecture (data and digital interface design).

WP04 Equipment Authorisation Procedures, Train Authorisation Strategy and Procedures

The main objective of WP4 is to prepare the procedures and the necessary requirements for vehicle authorisation to bring DAC up to functional Level 5 into the EU railway system. This includes procedures and requirements to assess and certify the DAC as well as procedures and requirements to assess the integration of the related energy provision, vehicle control and train functionalities into (new or retrofitted) freight wagons and locomotives.

WP05 Subsystem Specification and Validation Test Procedures

The foundation provided by the EDDP, prepared for the TSI and CEN/CENELEC Working Groups for fully digitalized freight transport operational procedures enabled by a harmonized interoperable DAC system up to Level 5 functionality, for the European rail freight industry will be narrowed down to detail the common interfaces, protocols between subsystems, interoperable functions and technical specifications enabling full EU interoperability. A standardized European FDFTO verification and validation test plan on subsystem level (equipment, required HW and train function) for full digital freight operations shall be developed providing step-by-step integration and test procedures.

WP13 System Integration Plan, Validation/Test Plan and Demo Coordination

The aim of WP13 is to support and coordinate WP14-21 by providing a test concept, system integration plan and holistic FDFTO assessment. The objective of WP13 is to ensure integration of the technical enablers to a functional FDFTO train and delivery of the demonstrators.

WP14 Train Test Lab

The objective of WP14 – Train Test Lab is to enable and execute the validation of the FDFTO requirements in a centralized FDFTO lab and in a harmonized way. The aim is to establish a joint, cocreational, one-of-its-kind environment for the project and the railway freight sector to move up across the envisaged TRLs in a cost-efficient and effective way. Test procedures of the technical enablers, both on component/subsystem and on train level, according to the developed validation and test plan shall be possible. By using the train test lab specific operational procedures can be pre-tested, and on the other hand retrofitting efficiency, maintainability and serviceability assessments shall be possible. Also, developer- tests will be carried out to ensure the suitable system-approaches for the FDFTO-energy- and communication-system for locomotives and wagons.

WP15 OEBB Demo Train I

The WP15 main objectives are:

  1. To prepare “Demo Train I”,
  2. To demonstrate the “Demo Train I” based on the technical enablers (WP6-WP11) of the flagship project reaching at least TRL7/8
  3. To assess and validate the functionalities and impact the FDFTO train set “Demo Train I” on the transformation of FDFTO operational procedures. As a result, this WP should prove that technical enabler solutions are capable to demonstrate defined full functionality under relevant operational conditions incl. defined operational contingency scenarios. “Demo Train I” will cover EU-Corridors crossing Austria. (TRL8)

WP16 TRV/NRD Demo Train II

Testing and validation of DAC and selected enablers (e.g., EP-brake, train composition, automated brake test etc.) in harsh winter conditions with low temperatures down to – 25 degrees Celsius (T1), a lot of snow and snow smoke adverse weather conditions. This will contribute to input and data for LCC analysis of DAC, full interoperability, and the functionality of the selected enablers (e.g., EP-brake, train composition, brake test etc). The WP16 will set up three (3) demo trains in these DAC tests and selected train functions (e.g., EP-brake, train composition, automated brake test). (TRL8)

WP17 FSI Demo Train III

The WP17 main objectives are:
  1. To prepare “Demo Train III”
  2. To demonstrate the “Demo Train III” based on the technical enablers (WP6-WP12) of the flagship project reaching TRL7/8
  3. To assess and validate the functionalities and impact of the “Demo Train III” on the transformation of FDFTO operational procedures. As a result, this WP should prove that technical enabler solutions are capable to show defined full functionality under relevant operational conditions incl. defined operational contingency scenarios. “Demo Train III” will cover EU-Corridors crossing Italy. (TRL8)

WP18 SBB DEMO: DAC Powerline Plus Communication Solution

Based on the foundation provided by the EDDP WP1 SG 3, Powerline PLUS is one of two shortlisted communication technologies for the data backbone of the future freight train. The primary focus from FP5 will be on the technology SPE, due to the limited resources in the project and the challenging time plan. As none of the technologies has been fully tested and qualified in the target environment and to minimize the risk in the project, it´s recommended to continue the development and testing with both technologies, meanwhile in parallel. If Powerline PLUS will be selected instead of SPE it needs to be further pursued, in this WP an interoperable Powerline plus based DAC communication systems, will be brought to a higher maturity (TRL8), and integrated into ERJU demonstrators. The aim is to provide standardized interoperable set of solutions. The functionality and performance shall be demonstrated and validated against the requirements and documented in test-reports for interoperability readiness. Mechanical, electrical, and SW integration into rail vehicles shall be made possible by providing integration instructions and required documentation of the individual components and sub-systems. (TRL8)

WP19 LCC and Benefits Inputs for CBA

The objective of this work package is to support EDDP. This work package aims at providing input for the EDDP CBA work package. ERA involvement will be actively requested for validation purposes, so values can be accepted for a global CBA.

Public Deliverables

Currently available deliverables:

D13.4 Public summary of results
D14.1 Demo and report a reference test system
D14.2 Test and Validation Report on DAC types
D14.3 Test and Validation Report for the energy system (Locos and wagons) and data communication system
D14.4 Test and Validation Report on interoperability Train Functions
D15.1 Demonstration FDFTO Demo Train I
D15.2 Implementation, Validation and Assessment Report
D16.3 Final Test reports Demo train Sweden and Norway
D17.1 Train III Demonstrator
D17.2 Implementation, Validation and Assessment Report
D18.1 Test report for Powerline PLUS technology
D19.1 Benefit and LCC report Phase 1
D19.2 Benefit and LCC report Phase 2
D2.2 FDFTO User Requirements Specification
D2.3 Reference Freight System Architecture
D2.4 Final Harmonized Operational Procedures
D2.5 Seamless Specification Framework and Seamless Freight Vision
D3.1 System Requirement Specification FDFT
D3.2 Physical reference system architecture FDFT
D3.3 Digital/Data reference system architecture FDFT
D4.1 Authorisation strategy and overall safety plan
D4.3 DAC Running Safety Assessment Tool: report on development, validation and operational results for improved train dynamics in DAC-based system
D4.4 Test report on DAC and its implementation and operation
D4.5 Interoperability requirements improving the authorisation
D4.6 Standardization roadmap and activity report
D5.1 Functional Requirements Specification of Train Functions
D5.2 Technical Specifications of Wagon and Locomotive DAC up to Level 5
D5.3 Validation/Test Procedures of Wagon and Locomotive DAC up to Level 5
D5.4 Technical Specification of Wagon Power System and Communication System
D5.5 Requirements Specification Yard Automation

All deliverables, results and publications herewith provided reflects only the author's view and the EURAIL is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

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