Analysis for Moving Block and implementation of Virtual Coupling concept - S2R-OC-IP2-01-2018

Deadline: Apr 24, 2018  
CALL EXPIRED

Specific Challenge:

In the framework of the technological developments foreseen within the Innovation Programme 2 of Shift2Rail Master Plan, the application of the most advanced Train Separation systems like Moving Block or other new systems based on Train Centric solutions, are seen being one of the most effective and promising technologies to increase line capacity reducing the trackside life cycle costs due to less train detection systems to be installed.

The challenge is to boost innovative and cost-efficient technologies and systems for railway signalling while, at the same time, achieving a level of safety consistent with methods and standards to be applicable in all railway segments.

Scope:
The aim of the work should be:

•   To identify and assess the most suitable methodology in order to test and bring into service Moving or Fixed Virtual Block contributing to the definition of the Operational Procedures and highlighting the differences with the traditional signalling systems.

•   To analyse the potential business and market response thanks to the application of the Virtual Coupling concept identifying pros/cons in terms of performance and cost. To assess the needs and work done for the Train-to-Train (T2T) both in IP1 and IP2 and propose convergence of technical communication solution(s) in close coordination with the respective IP Coordinators.

  The proposals should address all work streams described below, in line with the Shift2Rail Multi- Annual Action Plan (MAAP):

1. In the framework of the introduction of Moving Block technologies (linked with TD2.3 of the Multi Annual Action Plan) the activities are expected to cover the following points:

   1. Starting from the current signalling architecture (with a particular focus on trackside detection system), define approaches to the testing of Moving Block signalling systems, including consideration of how much testing must be performed on site, and how much testing can be performed in the office.

      This work should be performed in collaboration with work within the Action stemming from the call S2R-CFM-IP2-01-2018, addressing TD2.6 and S2R-CFM-IP2-01-2015 (X2RAIL-1).

   2. Provide feedback on the Moving Block Operational and Engineering Rules, to highlight differences from traditional signalling systems, and propose changes, which might result in easier application of Moving Block “signalling systems” or their evolution to a different traffic management approach.

2. In the framework of the introduction of the Virtual Coupling concept (linked with TD2.8 and TD1.2 of the Multi Annual Action Plan) the activities are expected to cover the following points:

a. Produce the Business Case analysis for the application of the Virtually Coupled Train Sets VCTS concept. The activity has to identify:

1. The potential markets, which can be interested to introduce VCTS (Main Lines, High Speed Lines, Urban/Suburban, Regional Lines, Freight).

2. For each of the above market segments is requested to provide the cost/effective analysis assessing the potential benefits of VCTS application, from the point of view of an Operator, highlighting pros/cons in terms of performances (e.g.: line capacity improvement, passengers increase, CAPEX and OPEX reduction) compared with the traditional train separation system (Fixed and Moving Block).

3. For each of the above market segments is required to provide the expected

   roadmap for the introduction of VCTS focusing the main business and market actions, which are deemed necessary in order to foster the application of VCTS. The activity should make assumptions in terms of cost identifying the foreseen trade-off between the start-up cost of R&D and of the potential implementation vs the positive returns thanks to the application.

4. For each of the above market segments to identify the potential risks in terms of business due to the introduction of VCTS providing also the related actions, suggestions, mitigations in order to overcame the potential obstacle and achieving the objective.

5. Investigate the use of new communication structure in agreement with IP2 and IP1 CFM complementary actions for allowing the communication between trains within the train convoy. The activity has to:

   1. Analyse the up to date radio communication wayside and/or on board infrastructures able to provide the full data exchange between trains. The activity has to assess the validated results for communication technology already achieved in TD1.2 in cooperation with the complementary Action stemming from the call S2R-CFM-IP1-02-2018 and at the same time find convergence points with the needs and the technology already achieved in TD2.1 in terms of real time domain, throughput, reliability, availability, cost, applicability to the specific domain in relation with the requirements that will be defined by the complementation Action stemming from the call S2R-CFM- IP2-01-2018. These complementarities will allow alignment and optimal convergence with the Action stemming from the call S2R-OC-IP1-01-2018.

   2. According to the above analysis and for each market segment, propose the most suitable communication structure providing the evidence (with a theoretic but rigorous approach) of the goodness of the choice. The analysis has to provide an in depth study for demonstrating the real effectiveness of the solution with regards the compliancy of the requirements that will be defined by the complementation Action stemming from the call S2R-CFM-IP2- 01-2018.

6. Investigate the application, solutions and dynamics of automated car driving currently in order to evaluate the applicability in the railway field. The study has to analyse similarities between automotive and railway fields and to provide insights highlighting the part of the railway system that can take advantage from the application of systems, sensors, functions, procedures coming from the automotive domain.

The action that is expected to be funded under this topic will be complementary to actions that are expected to be funded under the topics:

•   S2R-CFM-IP2-01-2018: Advanced Signalling, Automation and Communication System and Automated Freight Train Operation

•   S2R-CFM-IP1-02-2018 Implementing new technologies for the TCMS
  The action stemming from this topic will also be complementary to the action carried out within the following topic:

•  S2R-CFM-IP2-01-2015 Start-up activities for Advanced Signalling and Automation Systems (X2RAIL-1).

As specified in section 2.3.1 of S2R AWP for 2018, in order to facilitate the contribution to the achievement of S2R objectives, the options regarding 'complementary grants' of the S2R Model Grant Agreement and the provisions therein, including with regard to additional access rights to background and results for the purposes of the complementary grant(s), will be enabled in the corresponding S2R Grant Agreements.

An indicative scheduling of the deliverables is suggested below38:

 Deliverables of work stream 1 are expected to be available as specified below:
o Moving Block signalling system test strategy – M12
o Moving Block signalling system test methods – M18 (This to include specification of

any tools required)
o Report on Moving Block Operational and Engineering Rules – M24

 Deliverables of work stream 2 are expected to be available as specified below: o For item a(i): by M6;

o For item a(ii): by M9; o For item a(iii): by M12 o For item a(iv): by M15 o For item b(i): by M9
o For Item b(ii): by M12 o For item c: by M9

Expected Impact:
Regarding the work stream 1 the activities are expected to contribute to:

•   Understanding of the test processes required in order to bring a Moving Block signalling system into use.

•   Enhancement of the Moving Block Operational and Engineering Rules, including highlighting differences from traditional signalling systems to the future ones.

Regarding the work stream 2 the activities are expected to contribute to:

•  Refining the knowledge of the market to accept and request also very innovative and potentially disruptive transportation solutions.
•  Understand the real feasibility for applying VCTS according to the different characteristics of the lines, of the railway structure and of the Railway Undertakings and Infrastructure Managers needs or constraints.
•  Identify the potential application roadmap for the introduction of VCTS taking into account the switch over from the traditional systems and the possible transition issues.

Type of Action: Research and Innovation Action