Railway systems going smart

Predicting repair need before something happens

To that end, ASC AiSys® triaxial accelerometers enable the efficient high-precision monitoring and proactive maintenance of tracks, sleepers, bridges, tunnels and other rail infrastructure assets, as well as the reliable, real-time monitoring of forces impacting trains, carriages, wheels and further critical components. They integrate live input with historic data, so that infrastructure and railway operators can obtain automatic, early alerts paired with accurate diagnoses analyzing emerging issues. On this basis, decisions can be taken to intervene precisely where a problem sits, preventing and managing issues before major disruptions, delays or damages occur.

In addition to utilizing the company’s robust, custom-made portfolio of analog and digital precision-sensors to determine acceleration, vibration, oscillation or angular velocity forces, ASC smart sensor systems process and evaluate the collected data, extract predefined feature vectors and use algorithms to predict future damage, displacement, repair or replacement needs or other potential issues.

Data processing happens directly at the sensor, which issues an alert when a parameter runs out of spec or the customized algorithm indicates a potential future problem. The operator can manage the irregularity timely, which keeps train services efficient and disruptions to a minimum.

Meeting EN 50155 standards

Innovative smart sensor systems are able to seamlessly interface with operators’ existing systems for broad applicability. To install electronic equipment on a train or other rolling stock, it must comply with EN 50155 (IEC 60571) standards for environmental, shock, vibration, power supply, EMC, power surge, ESD and transient factors that could occur when in use.

Meeting this rigorous standard, ASC’s galvanic isolated accelerometers offer enhanced protection to railway electronics against harmful voltage transients and electrical noise, commonly arising from traction systems, motors and other onboard equipment. They break ground loops, eliminating unwanted current flows and ensuring accurate measurements. In addition, these sensors seamlessly interface between varying voltage levels within a train’s subsystems, promoting efficient communication without direct electrical connections. This ensures optimal performance and prolongs onboard electronics’ lifespan, leading to further reductions in maintenance and costs.

With all these important features, the ASC AiSys smart sensor ushers in the future of sustainable, safe, highly productive rail transport and mobility.