On-Board Design Models and Algorithm for Communication Based Train Control and Tracking System

Tanuja Patgar, Kavitha Devi CS

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2022
• ISBN:
  9781000642643
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Ciencias físicas
• Subtopic: Física

Railway systems have a long history of train protection and control, as to reduce the risk of train accidents. Many train control systems include automated communication between train and trackside equipment. But several different national systems are still facing cross-border rail traffic. Today, trains for cross-border traffic need to be equipped with train control systems that are installed on the tracks.

This book covers the latest advances in Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) research in on-board components locomotive messaging systems, GPS sensors, communications wayside and switching networks. It also focuses on architecture and methodology using data fusion techniques. New wireless sensor integrated modeling techniques for tracking trains in satellite visible and low satellite visible environments are discussed. With a Tunnel Surveillance Integration model, the use of optimal control is necessary to improve train control performance, considering both train–ground communication and train control.

The book begins with the background and evolution of train signaling and train control systems. It introduces the main features and architecture of CBTC systems and describes current challenging methods and successful implementations.

This introductory book is very useful for Signal & Telecommunication engineers to get them acquainted with the technology used in CBTC, and help them in implementing the system suitable for Indian Railways. As this is a new technology, the information provided in this book is generic and will be subsequently revised after gaining further experience.

1 Vision of Intelligent Control and Tracking Rail System: Global Evident Data

DOI: 10.1201/9781003294016-1

1.1 Introduction

The rapid growth in the field of wireless and mobile technologies plays a key role in the global Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The tracking solution of moving object is one such technology that stretches across various industries such as land, maritime and aviation. The application areas in land vehicle tracking are numerous, including fleet management, on-board navigation, stolen vehicle recovery and its enhanced services, etc. Today, it is becoming a big reality due to the strong integration of positioning technologies along with sensor integration, wireless communication and information management leading to Internet of Things (IOT)-based services. This really has further pushed the market segment to avail the end user with future-generation low-cost, wireless, compact-sized in-vehicle tracking and guidance system.

The fundamental aspect of tracking technology is to estimate the time-varying position, velocity and acceleration of moving object. In Satellite Visible Environment (SVE), object tracking is easier than in the Satellite Low Visible Environment (SLVE), as it is more unpredictable and inconsistent. Hence, it is very hard for a system designer to balance the parameters in achieving satisfactory performance in terms of accuracy, power consumption, range, system implementation, cost and maintenance. In the past decade, many new technologies have emerged to achieve accurate and reliable tracking of objects in both outdoor and indoor environment. The improvement has been significant. The real-time application scale varies from many personnel objects to public transportation applications such as bus, train automation system. This tedious task is achieved by combining information from heterogeneous sensors capable of sensing vehicle’s relative and absolute motion.

On the other hand, when this vision is adopted in tracking, controlling and monitoring train, it enhances the challenging innovation in the rail sector. Today, the ability to achieve business global sector’s demand depends purely on availability, accuracy and reliability of information. The railway is one of the world’s biggest transportation systems. The provision of a safe and reliable mode is a primary requirement of railway as more population depend on this service and prefer it as their first choice of transportation. Several constraints are taken into consideration while achieving the reimplementation of the current method enhancement. For efficient and safe transportation, the modernized physical layout and advanced communication infrastructure collaboration with sensing, computing, signaling, control and monitoring process are essential to support smart transportation.

1.2 History of Train Control System Development

The primary goal of tracking each train is to ensure that they are operating in a safe and efficient mode. The general architecture of a typical train control system (TCS) is shown in Figure 1.1. It is considered as major block in the railway system, as it controls the movement, prevents collision between locomotives and regulates the service. The railway control system is followed by other blocks such as operation, signaling, data transmission and service control system.

FIGURE 1.1 General architecture of train control system.

The evolution of railway signaling and communication involves basically four generations. In each generation, the incremental improvement in design, signal availability, communication channel and operational performance are major factors.

First Generation: It includes track circuit, wayside component and on-board component. Train-operating modes are restricted to manual driving modes. The train is detected by track circuit and wayside signals are useful in providing indication to drivers. The operational performance is decided by track circuit, fixed block configuration and wayside signal. In this generation, all control equipment is located on the wayside, with on-board train equipment limited to only stop indication.

Second Generation: It is also track circuit-based, but wayside signals are replaced by in-cab signals, which transmit speed codes to the train. The part of the control equipments is transferred to train for detecting and reacting to speed codes, and displaying movement information to driver. The train operating modes are permitted to manual driving modes, but operational flexibility is still limited by track circuit configuration and the number of available speed codes.

Third Generation: The evolution in the system continues the trend to supply more accurate control of train movement. The amount of data transmitted includes speed codes as well as distance, rather than responding to only a limited number of individual speed codes as explained in the second generation. This generation supports automatic driving modes, but movements are still decided by track circuit.

Fourth Generation: It is an advanced generation because of the improvement in efficiency and safety of train operation. It really supports automatic driving mode with a highly reliable and safe complex computer tool. It consists of four major parts: (1) central unit, (2) station and wayside unit, (3) on-board control system and (4) communication network. The generation includes advanced design, development and implementation for special line application, simulation field test and verification and safety measurement. Some of advanced TCS such as European Train Control System (ETCS), Chinese Train Control System (CTCS) for main line railway and Communication-Based Train Control System (CBTC) and Positive Train Control System (PTCS) for transit system are in use.

1.3 Advanced Train Control System

The system is believed to be needed for smart transportation in rail sector. The increasing speed with environmental condition is the most preferred factor for train journey making it more and more difficult to operate safely without the assistance of technology. Advanced design and development require major technology correction to successfully balance performance, safety and reliability. The increasing complexity requires the best technical group to create solutions that match the depth of challenges required by rail industry. Different countries and organizations are developing their own train control system. For example, Americans developed PTCS and CBTC for their railroad. European countries implemented ETCS, while Chinese Railways created CTCS and Japanese introduced EJTC. They differ from each other in navigation, data transmission, and integrations of new components as well as simulation methodology. Figure 1.2 depicts the on-board and track control system.

FIGURE 1.2 Scenario of different control system on track and train.

In this section, we briefly discuss the major segments that are used in each tracking and controlling system. We also present additional information on how these technologies are helpful in solving real-world railway system problems.

1.3.1 Positive Train Control System

This rail safety system is designed to prevent train-to-train collision condition, derailment due to excessive speed and accident in work zone limit. It can identify the exact location and determine the speed. It will then automatically apply the brakes to achieve the desired movement. An end-to-end solution consists of four major segments. Figure 1.3 depicts the architecture. We present here main architectural components separately summarized one by one.

FIGURE 1.3 Positive train control system architecture.

1. On-board System: The onboard computer located in a train receives the information from wayside device and Central Office. The operator uses this data and takes appropriate action to limit speed and other safety concerns. If the operator does not slowdown or stop the train within 15 seconds, the onboard computer automatically applies a brake to stop train. This event must be completed before entering the next block.
2. Wayside Unit: It consists of signaling equipment on-and-around the track. The equipment includes track circuit, gate, lamp, switches and much more. The devices are connected to a wayside server through an interfacing unit. This sends information from trackside equipment to the Central Office for processing and to inform the locomotive directly and act on it accordingly.
3. Communication System: The communication system between locomotive, wayside device and central office depends on a bidirectional communication network. The PTC solution offers different communication interfaces such as Ethernet, 220 MHz PTC Radio, Wi-Fi and 4G Cellular. Here, onboard equipment uses 220 MHz radio or 4G cellular interface. But wayside equipment communicates with Central Office from any one of four-interface types.
4. Central Office: The function of the Central Office is to store, process, and act on information it receives from the on-board locomotive computer, and wayside messaging server. The database maintains information on tracks, trains, work zones, and speed restrictions. Based on this information, the Central Office sends movement information to locomotives.

1.3.2 Communication-Based Train Control System (CBTCS)

This is known as the most intelligent and integrated control system in rail system. It is adopted in many railways including mainline, light rail and underground line in cities. With the development in data communication, computer tool and control technique, CBTC represents as one of the best automated rail control systems. Figure 1.4 shows the general architecture of the CBTC system. At present, it has been used in underground line and light rail. It has not been implemented in mainline railway for many reasons. It also acts as brain and nerve center by providing safety and efficiency of rail system. The system is divided into five segments. The function of each segment is summarized as:

FIGURE 1.4 Communication-based train control system architecture.

1. On-board Control System (OCS): The control unit is equipped with locomotive. The main function is to control train speed such as braking, acceleration, deceleration and cruising. In CBTC, on-board control system is most intelligent compared with other traditional systems. The train position and speed data information are sent to Block Control System.
2. Station Control System (SCS): The interlocking system is controlling the switch, signal and route at station. It communicates with Central unit, Block Control unit and On-board unit. Nowadays, most of the Station Control System is computer-based interlocking system.
3. Block Control System (BCS): It includes a radio block system and wayside equipment along the track. It always communicates with Central office, Station and On-board Control System. The main function is to control train operation in blocks.
4. Communication Network System (CNS): It connects other four systems as communication channel. It includes communication between train and wayside equipment in order to provide real-time, accurate, reliable and safe...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Frontmatter Page
• Table of Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Authors
• 1 Vision of Intelligent Control and Tracking Rail System: Global Evident Data
• 2 Train Navigation Control and Information Management System
• 3 Hybrid System for Train Tracking and Monitoring Model
• 4 Locomotive Tracking in Satellite Visible and Low Satellite Visible Area
• 5 Train Trajectory Optimization Based on Di-Filter Theory
• 6 Heterogeneous Sensor Data Fusion DGPS-WSN-RFID-Based Train Tracking Model
• 7 Wireless Locomotive Real-Time Surveillance Model
• 8 Predictive Analysis of Intelligent Rail Trip Detection Service Using Machine Learning
• Further Readings
• Index