Implementing new technologies for the TCMS - S2R-CFM-IP1-02-2018

Deadline: Apr 24, 2018  
CALL EXPIRED

Specific Challenge:

Shift2Rail’s CONNECTA project (S2R-CFM-IP1-02-2016) together with its complementary action SAFE4RAIL (S2R-OC-IP1-02-2016) have been researching on new technologies to shape the next generation of train control and monitoring systems (TCMS).

By the start of the present research and innovation activities, CONNECTA is expected to deliver:

•   Implementation and validation of a number of uses cases for the new train-to-ground standard communication based on the IEC61375-2-6;

•   Assessment of the performance in the field of the wireless train backbone network based on the LTE communication technology under real operational conditions;

•   Development of the high level network architecture supporting the “Drive-by-Data” concept, to allow the integration of safety-critical functions within the TCMS;

•   Definition of a number of application profiles and its general methodology;

•   Architecture and communication principles of the functional open coupling, together with applicability studies to a certain number of functions;

•   High-level functional architecture of the “Functional Distribution Framework” middleware to allow the integration of functions in reduced number of on-board CPUs;

•   ETB and ECN conformance test definition and a proof-of-concept implementation;

Development of the needed architecture for the TCMS simulation framework and tools to deploy the virtual certification, and;

•   Specifications and high level architectures for the new safe brake control electronics, ensuring consistency with the requirements for the safe TCMS networks.

In order to progress towards the expected radical change in the TCMS paradigms, the proposed technologies have to be implemented in a relevant environment, so that they could be validated in a later and final stage.

Scope:
In order to address the challenges described above, the proposals should address all the following work streams, in line with the S2R MAAP (TD 1.2 and TD 2.1) :

The Action should implement two laboratory demonstrators (TRL 4/5), one for mainline application and the other one for urban application. Both demonstrators should be the basis for their future validation and later deployment on real vehicles within the following and final stage of the MAAP.

The following technologies should be implemented in at least one preferably in both laboratory demonstrators:

•   Drive-by-data concept (i.e. SIL4 capabilities for TCMS) including the integration of at least one on-board safety related function (TRL 4).

•   Functional distribution framework, through an integrated modular platform, including the integration of third party’s functions by the Complementary Grant (TRL 4).

•   Functional Open Coupling in the mainline demonstrator, including a heterogeneous networks environment (TRL4).

•   Interoperability tests for the wireless Ethernet train backbone, with the support of the Complementary Grant, in the mainline demonstrator (TRL 5).

•   Completion of the virtual certification’s simulation framework, its tools and the train virtualisation, including remote hardware-in-the-loop. Application of the simulation framework in both demonstrators (TRL 4).

To support the implementation of both demonstrators, the virtual certification’s simulation framework, its tools and the train virtualisation, including remote hardware-in-the-loop, will be completed.

In parallel, the following activities should be carried out, and when possible, integrated in the laboratory demonstrators:

•   Development of new application profiles (TRL 4).

•   Evolution studies of the IEC 61375-2-6 “TCN train-to-ground standard” (TRL 3/4). The Action should explore the usage by the existing TCMS train-to-ground system of the TD2.1 adaptable communication system specifications and architecture defined by the deliverables of X2RAIL- 1 with the target to leverage a consistent and unified train-to-ground communication system for all on-board application needs, while keeping backwards compatibility to support legacy functions (i.e. TSI Energy, TSI Loc & Pas).

•   With the support of the new TCMS technologies, concepts, architectures and interfaces for the driver machine interfaces (DMI), including safety related ones, will be developed and prototyped. A starting point will be the technical report CENELEC TR 50542-1 Railway applications - Driver's cab train display controller (TDC) and the related documents, which should be completed and complemented (TRL 3/4).

The project results will support the evolution of related IEC 61375 standards to integrate the drive-by- data network architecture, integrated modular platform interfaces, new application profiles and any other technology part of the Action.

•  The results of the Shift2Rail projects CONNECTA (S2R-CFM-IP1-02-2016), SAFE4RAIL (S2R-OC-IP1- 02-2016) and X2RAIL-1 (S2R-CFM-IP2-01-2015) shall be the basis for the following research and innovation activities.

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

•   S2R-OC-IP1-01-2018: Technical solutions for the next generation of TCMS

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

•   S2R-CFM-IP2-01-2018: Advanced Signalling, Automation and Communication System In particular, this action shall closely work with the action stemming from the complementary open call, to ensure integration of projects’ results into S2R solutions.

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.

The action shall actively contribute to the S2R KPIs development. This shall lead to publicly available deliverable, quantified indicatively on a semi-annual basis.

The planned activities of the action should take into account the revised MAAP part A.

The S2R JU will only fund one proposal under this topic.

Expected Impact:

The Action will contribute to the implementation in a relevant environment, for mainline and urban railway applications, of:

•   The Functional Open Coupling to improve capacity, flexibility and to reduce LCC;

•   The Drive-by-Data concept, including the elimination of train lines, the integration of safety- critical functions (like signalling) and therefore obtaining a LCC reduction and operational reliability improvement;

•   The Functional Distribution concept, together with the Integrated Modular Platform, leading to a reduction of LCC and improvement of operational reliability;

•   The Virtual certification simulation framework and its supporting toolbox to enable further reductions in LCC.

•   The interoperability of the proposed wireless Ethernet Train Backbone, to reduce LCC, increase operational reliability and capacity, by adding flexibility to the system.

As a consequence, the Action will support the Virtual Coupling concept, streamlined by TD2.8 and provide inputs to concerned standards (e.g. IEC 61375, CENELEC TR 50542-1).

The action should underline the innovation and integration across innovation programmes, like the leverage and integration of the TD2.1 adaptable communication system for TCMS train-to-ground system.

The research and innovation activities results shall be brought in the form of a demonstrator, if available, in the context of InnoTrans 2020, including on the S2R JU stand.

The overall final objective is to ensure convergence/consistency in the solutions adopted in the S2R programme.

Type of Action: Research and Innovation Action