Train travels down tracks

Researchers develop new system to instantly detect leaves on railway lines

Engineers from Loughborough University and the University of Sheffield have partnered up to develop a new on-board system which allows trains to instantly detect leaves on the line.

The new system developed in partnership with engineering firm Perpetuum allows trains to identify low adhesion hazards.

The new technology will detect low adhesion spots in real-time creating an up-to-date map showing any potential hazards on the UK’s rail network.

To maintain safety and limit delays a minimum level of adhesion is key for braking and traction performance on trains.

Dr Chris Ward, Senior Lecturer in Control Systems Engineering at Loughborough University is leading the initiative and spoke on how the project could benefit the UK’s rail network.

Dr Ward said: “The network is in danger of low adhesion events occurring at all times and the industry takes the impact of these incredibly seriously.

“Network Rail and the wider rail industry invests huge amounts of money in rail head cleaning, controlling flora alongside lines and forecasting where low adhesion events may occur.

“But it’s not an exact science and affected areas may only be discovered after an incident has taken place.

“This new technology… will allow for a much more accurate picture of where hazards lie on the UK’s huge network of track.

“[This] will mean a quicker response - such as defensive driving or railhead treatment - and as a result a safer network with fewer delays.”

Established sensing methods will be used by the new detection system to collect data.

This data will then be processed using algorithms created by Dr Ward and his colleagues at Loughborough University.

Network Rail are set to conduct tests on the new system and believe it could help them achieve future ambitions.

Elaine Cockroft, Project Manager at Network Rail said: “The aim is to develop a first of type product addressing the issue of low adhesion.

“The medium-term aspiration is to install a device on the Network Rail Head Treatment Train (RHTT) or a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV).

“The future ambition is to add the technology to passenger trains or freight locomotives.

“So the technology would need to be developed to capture continuous data at a travelling speed of 125mph across the network.

“This would feed into an up-to-date adhesion map of the network.”

A 22-month study will take place on the system at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre in Tuxford.

Synthetic low adhesion will be created as part of the testing programme and measured using state-of-the-art friction measurement equipment from the University of Sheffield.

 

TCR Midlands
RTM

RTM Dec 23/Jan 24

Battery Powered Rail on Merseyside

This issue highlights the latest topics within the rail industry, from how the HS2 decision affects rail freight to the draft rail reform bill.                            

Videos...

View all videos
TransCityRail Banner

TransCityRail

Mids \ 29 02 24
South \ 11 07 24
North \ 07 11 24

TransCityRail is a series of regional, interactive and insightful events across the country bringing together leaders, collaborators, problem solvers and innovators in a creative and invigorating way.
 

This series of events supports and informs the whole of the rail industry and connects suppliers with buyers, specifiers, leaders and decision-makers looking to procure a wide variety of innovative products and services for their region.

11/07/24

TransCityRail SOUTH

The South of England accounts for a significant portion of the UK’s rail investment strategy and is home to 7 sub-national transport bodies that have all placed rail infrastructure at the centre of their strategic investment plans.

Every year industry leaders from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, major contractors and transport bodies converge at the TransCityRail SOUTH conference, exhibition and networking dinner for a day of collaboration, conversation and engagement.

At this year's event, we're discussing...

More articles...

View all