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The digitalisation of the UK railway network is a critical undertaking that holds immense potential for transforming the way people and goods move across the country. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the railway industry must adapt to meet the evolving demands of passengers and freight operators. In this article, we discuss the importance of this digital transformation and how to enable it.
Enhanced Efficiency and Capacity
Digitalisation enables a more efficient management of train movements, subsequently increasing capacity on existing tracks. Advanced signalling systems, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS), play a key role in this by allowing trains to run closer together, which safely increases the number of trains that can operate across the network. This is crucial for addressing the growing demand for both passenger and freight transport, particularly in densely populated areas. Furthermore, digital twins facilitate the simulation of various scenarios, aiding in the optimisation of train scheduling and routing.
Digital technologies also enhance reliability and safety. Real-time monitoring of both infrastructure and train performance enables proactive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of disruptions. Predictive maintenance, driven by sensor data and analytics, allows for the identification of potential issues before they lead to failures, minimising delays and enhancing safety. Digital twins also play a significant role in increasing safety by enabling simulations of different scenarios, which allows for better preparation for unplanned events.
Digital systems in the rail sector bring some challenges. The transition to these systems demands significant investment in both infrastructure and technology. Furthermore, integrating new technologies with existing legacy systems can be complex and challenging. It is also crucial to address the skills gap and ensure that the workforce is well-equipped to operate and maintain these new digital systems.
eTraX™: A versatile software solution for rail traction system design and operation
ETAP, the industry and technology leader in power system design and operation and an independent vendor agnostic brand of Schneider Electric, offers eTraX™, a powerful software solution for designing, analysing and managing rail traction systems and infrastructure. This application spans a wide array of rail systems, from DC metros and AC suburban lines to high-speed rail, freight/mining operations, inter-city networks, light rail transit (LRT), and automated people movers (APM).
The software serves various key stakeholders, including consulting firms, design institutes, rolling stock manufacturers, project developers, and owner/operators. eTraX™ empowers these users to:
- Conceptually design and study system behaviour and operation.
- Perform multi-physics simulations of train mechanical energy and the corresponding electrical demand within a single, unified solution.
- Determine the power and energy consumption of train services to effectively design and analyse the capacity of the traction power supply.
- Safely optimise the number of trains in operation using minimum headway and running time calculations.
- Simulate contingencies such as infrastructure failures and delays,and evaluate appropriate mitigation methods.
- Facilitate rolling stock evaluation and comparison.
- Analyse the effect of energy storage and regenerative braking.
Schneider Electric provides a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored for railway infrastructure, addressing the critical needs of both decarbonisation and digitalisation. Our offerings are designed to enhance the reliability and safety of railway operations, encompassing everything from energy management and automation to digital monitoring and control. By leveraging advanced technologies, Schneider Electric helps railway operators optimise their infrastructure, reduce their environmental footprint, and ensure a more secure and efficient transportation network.
To find out more, visit www.se.com/uk/en/work/solutions/for-business/rail
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