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OzECP brake hardware
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Technology/Research:
New brake technology developed by Rail CRC and currently being
commercialized by Rail Innovation Australia and its project
partners is expected to change the way the rail industry operates.
The OzECP brake system is superior to existing electronically
controlled pneumatic brakes available on the international market
as it can be retrofitted to existing trains, and even after OzECP
is fitted the conventional brakes can be used as a back-up in the
event of failure of the electronic system.
The benefits of the retrofit OzECP system include:
OzECP is versatile and flexible.
modular design (easy to install and repair).
OzECP brake is more reliable and safer as it is combined with a
simple pneumatic brake valve as a back-up. In the event where
ECP is not available the system is still capable of performing
normal service and emergency braking.
The system is designed to allow the train line to control
additional brake functions or support additional systems such as
the Train Health Advisory System (THAS) which is being developed
currently by the same project partners as that of the OzECP product
Compact and lightweight, the electronic brake controller is
incorporated into the pipe bracket.
OzECP is a low-cost alternative, expected to retail at a fraction
of the cost of ECP brakes available on the international market.
Status:
Rail Innovation Australia is commercializing the technology in
partnership with international brake supplier Faiveley
Transportation, rail operator QR and CQUniversity, with the support
of a $869,500 Queensland State Government Innovation Projects
grant. Commercial applications of the OzECP brake product are
expected to be available in early 2010.
Industry uptake:
QR has committed substantial resources to the development of the
OzECP product with other Australian operators indicating
significant interest in the final product.
Present or potential value to industry:
Evaluated by STEM Partnerships in 2005, the OzECP brake product was
estimated to have the potential to deliver a risk-free-value of
$126 million over the next 15 years to the rail industry.
