unavoidable, external interference in a fully automated manner. By observing the general reset conditions, it is possible to further optimise availability, without any negative effect on safety. Every two track sections are overlaid by a supervisor section. Consequently, it is possible for a faulty track section to be reset automatically, without manual intervention, if the corresponding supervisor section is clear. Similarly, a faulty supervisor section is reset if the two corresponding track sections are clear (Fig. 7).
Figure 6. Counting Head Control CHC in use: trains approaching re-activate the sensors and are detected reliably.
Besides quick installation and replacement, maintenance and error rectification in signalling systems form the basis for safe, reliable and punctual railway operation. The Frauscher Diagnostic System FDS helps to minimise the time spent on-site carrying out periodic maintenance. Important information, such as the quiescent current of the wheel sensor, can be read from a central service area. The possibility of faults occurring is already identified in advance and prevented by means of preventative measures. This implies that additional maintenance work can be avoided through:
Open failsafe Ethernet interface
As an independent provider of wheel detection systems and axle counters, it is of strategic importance to Frauscher to be able to communicate signalling data with all system manufacturers and integrators via software interfaces, in a safe and reliable manner. Therefore, the company has developed a safe protocol, which fulfils the communication requirements between axle counters and the higher-level signalling system. This protocol is called Frauscher Safe Ethernet FSE. This freely available protocol has been developed especially for a very wide range of applications in the field of wheel detection and axle counting. It enables communication between various systems, without excluding the option to transmit additional information. FSE provides a series of significant benefits for system integrators, without their own standard protocol, when it comes to realising a variety of projects. In addition to the basic requirements relating to safety (SIL 4) and availability, these include:
• U nrestricted online access to the data from the axle counting system • F ast and efficient troubleshooting • E xtensive diagnostic and statistical data • S imple data management and archiving • C onnection to customer-specific diagnostic management systems via XML interface Configuration of the FAdC takes place using an open, universal format. This can be incorporated into the system integrator’s own project design environment easily and flexibly. Following an appropriate briefing and mutual establishment of the key parameters, the system integrator is able to carry out configuration, commissioning and maintenance independently. Furthermore, the high flexibility of the system enables operators to extract a range of additional information besides the clear/ occupied indication, for example; data about direction, speed, wheel diameter and much more. Using these reports, various applications can be realised, for example, employees at a yard can see at a glance which track sections are clear/occupied plus the number of wagons in all sidings. Deepening this approach, it was also possible to realise an application to automatically direct individual wagons to determined tracks. The axle counter therefore provides the system with all the necessary data to enable the software to determine the exact position and direction of all wagons, within the railway network.
• • •
imple and quick implementation S o FSE simulator for implementation support Flexible and free definition of the file contents to be transferred Simple, redundant and network-compatible point-to-point connection • Can be used universally for o All wheel detection and axle counting applications o Any other application, in which data is to be exchanged between two systems in a fail-safe manner
FAdC: benefits for individual projects
Using the patented rail claw, Frauscher wheel sensors are mounted on the foot of one of the running rails easily, quickly and safely. There is no need for laborious drilling work, meaning that the time spent in the hazardous area is reduced to a minimum. Of course, this also speeds up demounting significantly. Enabling the use of welded rail joints, axle counters additionally support the track’s robustness.
Conclusion
COM
AEB
RSR 1
AEB
FMA 1 000
STS 1
RSR 2
AEB
FMA 2 000
000
RSR 3
AEB
FMA 3 000
STS 3 STS 2
000
RSR 4
AEB
FMA 4 000
RSR 5
000 STS 4
000
Figure 7. When using Supervisor Track Sections STS, virtual track sections are established.
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Modern axle counters, with their flexible architecture possibilities and innovative tool environment, enable railway operators and system integrators to design, install and run their operational network simply and costeffectively. They also allow very individual and customer specific solutions across all railway segments. Combining maximum flexibility and innovative technology, with robustness and high availability, contributes to realising individual applications under extreme conditions. For more details please see: www.frauscher.in