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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - X2RAIL-2 (Enhancing railway signalling systems based on train satellite positioning, on-board safe train integrity, formal methods approach and standard interfaces, enhancing Traffic Management System functions)

Teaser

Summary

The development of a rail more cost effective and more attractive for its users is the new paradigm required for competing with the new transport modes and mobility concept.
X2R2 aims at introducing innovative technologies and solutions into some functional blocks of a new generation of a traffic management system. In particular, it has started the design and the development of:

a) A new Fail-Safe Multi-Sensor Train Positioning (WP 3) functional block by applying GNSS, IMU, Digital Map and Radio Localisation technologies to the current ERTMS/ETCS core components for implementing the Virtual Balise concept. This Fail-Safe Train Positioning will be specified, developed and verified to guarantee the backward compatibility with existing ERTMS systems and the key ERTMS interoperability requirements.

b) The Safe On-Board Train Integrity (WP 4) components to autonomously verify the completeness of the train and detect the loss of the train integrity. The Safe On-Board Train Integrity function is one of the steps for removing the need of trackside track circuits and axle counters.

c) An Advanced Traffic Management System (WP6) that integrates all rail operation track-side based services. The heart of this entire system is the Integration layer linking the different Rail operation services amongst one another, with the infrastructure/vehicles and with external clients. Therefore, the key interfaces are planned to be standard to secure compatibility and long-term applicability of all existing and new subsystems. it is also expected the integration of legacy installations with different data structures. The Integration layer provides a standardized scalable data-format to secure seamless and automated data exchange

In addition, Formal Methods (WP 5) has the main goal to propose suitable formal methods for requirement capture, design, verification and validation of railway signalling systems and applying for development of signalling systems with standardized interfaces and operational scenarios.

Work performed

Activation and Management of the collaborations with the two S2R Open Calls named ASTRail and ETALON in the context of Fail-Safe Multi-Sensor Train Positioning, On-Board Train Integrity and Formal Methods;

Evaluating possible collaborations with European Space Agency Projects, named STEMS and CAPRESE, in the context of the Fail-Safe Multi-Sensor Train Positioning;

In order to minimize the modifications to the current ERTMS system, thus preserving the current ERTMS Location and Train Position principles, and as well as introducing the new technologies, a common view and understanding of the Virtual Balise (VB) concept was agreed. The VB detection is based on an estimated train position computed on a combined use of the different technologies. The Fail-Safe Train Position Specification and the related preliminary functional architecture were defined and described taking into account the key requirements such as backward compatibility and interoperability;

As far as the On-board Train Integrity is concerned, its specification phase was completed and the performed activities included: (a) state of the art analysis of existing Train Integrity technologies & related products suitable for train interruption detection and train completeness monitoring; (b) definition of target scenarios and product classes for the foreseen S2R application domains; (c) investigation and analysis of wireless sensors and/or transponders technologies; (d) analysis of installation options considering operational rules; (e) feasibility study concerning the use of GNSS-based solution for train tail localization.

The analysis of existing Formal Methods was performed with the focus on the classification of different types of formal methods for various uses, including facilitating communication, transparency and collaboration. Moreover, associated survey of formal methods in the railway signalling industry was performed. The Level Crossing application area was selected to be used as a basis for the formal methods application, taking into account considerations and trade-offs towards demonstrating the overall project objectives.

With regard to the Traffic Management System (TMS) Evolution, following IN2RAIL2 initial results on a subscribe and publish information management for all rail business services and proof of concept for Integration Layer and Application Framework, progresses were made on system requirement specifications, detailed descriptions of use-cases representing advanced TMS principles and prototypes. Business service applications within a TMS was analysed and the performed activities included: (a) review and complement the required data elements for the Integration Layer, (b) the definition of the system requirement specification for Application Framework and the IF to external clients and services; (c) the development of Key Principles for Design & Test of Prototypes, and of the Key Principles for execution of development and for Design & Test Concepts incl. Report Structure; (d) analysis of applied principles in a TMS, including grouping them into logical clusters and the definition of the list of use-cases to be further elaborated and detailed.

Final results

Train Position is one of the SIL 4 functions of the ERTMS system. Up to now, none has used the GNSS, IMU, Digital Map and Radio Localization technologies for guaranteeing this SIL 4 function in the ERTMS standard and interoperable constituents.

The On-Board Train Integrity function and its development in accordance with the different installation needs were not addressed before in other R&D projects. A cost effective solution is the main target for supporting the application of ERTMS Level 3 functions.

Control, command and signalling are at the core of railway operations; they essentially determine safety and performance of the network. In this context, a central and innovative traffic management remains significant for network-wide optimisations. The TMS Evolution will enable the definition and implementation of new services and functions and the optimization of existing functions.