Perpetuum, a subsidiary of Hitachi Rail, has been awarded a contract by Network Rail to develop the first real-time digital solution that monitors, and eventually predicts, sections of track that affect ride quality and require maintenance.
Working in partnership with Network Rail, ScotRail and Porterbrook, Perpetuum is using its self-powered monitoring technology to measure data in real-time between the train and the track. This is achieved by installing sensors with gyroscopes and accelerometers, either in the carriages or on the wheels, of trains already in passenger service.
The monitoring equipment is currently installed on trains across Scotland’s networks including the North Clyde Line, The Borders, and Fife Circle. By fitting digital sensors to trains, the pilot aims to reduce disruption to passengers and improve safety, as well as better the performance of the network and the ride quality of trains.
The project will also work to lessen the risk to track workers and cut maintenance costs. The collaboration described the pilot as a further movement towards the development of intelligent rail infrastructure that can predict and plan preventative maintenance.
At this stage of the development, Perpetuum’s solution can identify the onset of warping or changes to the track. By applying digital analytical tools, Perpetuum can build a picture of areas that are at risk, requiring inspection or maintenance in the future.
Jim Brewin, head of UK & Ireland, Hitachi Rail, said: “Introducing in-service monitoring technology to improve ride quality demonstrates how Hitachi Rail can utilise digital solutions that support track maintenance. This ability to bring train and track together can solve issues for both passengers and train operators.
“Hitachi Rail is committed to constantly pioneering and championing new technology to make our railways safer and more reliable.”
Network Rail launched a half million-pound competition to develop and introduce new technology to improve track maintenance in the next control period (mid-2024). As part of this programme, it has agreed a contract with Perpetuum to expand its ride quality trial to Scotland.
This development follows successful trials of Perpetuum’s ride quality monitoring technology with Network Rail on the West Coast main line in 2019.
David Lister, safety, engineering & sustainability director, ScotRail, added: “The performance and reliability of our trains is always a top priority which requires both reliable trains and reliable track infrastructure so it’s great to see Hitachi Rail and Perpetuum developing this innovative digital technology to monitor and then predict which sections of track need maintenance using technology fitted to our passenger trains.
“Anything that can increase comfort for our customers by making their journeys smoother, while reducing the need for unplanned downtime for stretches of track is to be welcomed and is a tangible example of train and track working together to provide a safe, efficient and reliable railway.”
