The Train and Track Health and Speed Setting System (TTSS) or
‘Health Card’ is envisaged as a train based system that
automatically determines the safe operating speed of a train and
records any observable defect on the train or track for maintenance
purposes. The project involves health cards, located on multiple
train wagons which simultaneously ‘talk’ to an on-board
computer system to monitor and report on train and track health and
defects.
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CQU researchers Prof Peter Wolfs & Mr Bryan Powell work on the
health card project.
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The health cards are self-powered microprocessor devices containing
either wire or radio-based communication systems, simulation model
parameters and identifiers for the wagon, micro-machine
accelerometers and an impact classification system. At marshalling,
the train self-configures its communication network, forms a
simulation model and uses an on-board track database to set speed
limits for the next journey. In terms of maintenance, impact and
other ride disturbances experienced throughout the journey are
classified into track defect types, and stored on a time and
location stamped track database.
This project is progressing well, with provisional patents well
advanced and significant work being undertaken to integrate the
health cards with the OZ-ECP brake product (Project 40), a
collaborative Monash/CQU project. The major focus of 2/150 at this
stage is to secure laboratory and industry testing of the health
card.
The project, and its associated technology, has been estimated by
independent consultants STEM Partnerships, to have the potential to
deliver a risk-free-value of $27.2 million over the next 15 years*
to the rail industry. Taking into account the risks associated in
delivering the technology, the expected value is estimated at $10.7
million. *Study undertaken in 2006.
Progress to Date:
- The first generation of radio-based Health Card prototypes for
these applications successfully tested.
- Outputs of the Health Card accelerometers classified by use of
Fourier Transform Wavelet analysis of the impacts.
- Inverse mechanics' model-based predictors for wheel unloading
developed for real-time speed setting have been demonstrated on a
vehicle shaker rig.
- Second generation hardware produced for wire-based Health Card with
software development underway. Field tests are expected before the
end of 2006.
- Development is well underway of wire-based system for integration
with ECP braking systems.
Future Outcomes:
- A standardised system of ‘Health Cards’ that record
vehicle condition and a core of simulation data to support on-board
systems, operating under standardised communication protocols.
- Complete development of wire-based Health Card with OZ-ECP brake
compatibility.
- A speed restriction support tool.
- Low cost universally applied track defect monitoring systems for
defect development tracking and optimum maintenance operations'
decision support.
- Embedded versions of an integrated vehicle and longitudinal
dynamics models that can adequately capture the effects of the
consist configuration on vehicle dynamics.
Project Leader: Professor Peter Wolfs (Central Queensland
University)
Project Manager: Mr Tim Morland (Australian Rail Track Corporation)
