Next Generation Distributed 权力: Activating the Future of Freight Rail Through Enhanced Communications

By 亚当·弗朗哥, 亚当·豪斯曼, and 约瑟夫拿撒勒

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分布式电源:入门

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In the drive to increase operational performance, train length has been growing for years. This trend has accelerated recently with the adoption of Precision Scheduled Railroading as an operating strategy to make rail operations more efficient and more profitable.  

以满足更长时间的需求, heavier trains — and provide efficient train handling — railroads are deploying and utilizing more distributed power systems. Distributed 权力 (DP) is the practice of placing locomotives at more than one location within a train. Distributed power reduces in-train forces by distributing traction and braking forces along the train. The reduction in lateral forces and friction lowers the impact of heavy trains on track infrastructure, 提供更好的附着力, 提高燃油效率.

结果: trains run more efficiently, safely, and easily. 

 

locontrol®分布式电源

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Wabtec’s locontrol®分布式电源 system was launched over fifty years ago and during that time has become the leading control and communication system, enabling coordinated braking and traction power distribution between lead and remote locomotives on over 21,在17个国家拥有1000台迪士尼3彩乐园. The LOCOTROL system has the unique distinction of enabling the operation of the world’s longest and heaviest train – approx. 4.5英里(7英里).3公里)长, 重达99,732吨, with 8 locomotives hauling 682 ore cars – and the solution continues to evolve with new functionality to meet important industry needs.

今天, the LOCOTROL system interfaces with almost every type of braking system and locomotive control system and serves as the platform for future train automation for advanced train operations.

分布式电源挑战

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Distributed power locomotives are remotely controlled by the crew from the lead locomotive. This requires radio communication between the lead and remote locomotives. There are times when the radio communications path is not available, especially considering the fact that railroads operate in remote areas across all types of terrain, 包括山, 森林, 山, 山谷, 和隧道. 结果就是:死点. These dead zones can be significant, representing hundreds of minutes on a train run. 发生通信中断时, the lead locomotive displays the last status of the remotes. 在中断期间, the lead locomotive cannot communicate commands to the remotes, which continue to operate the last function commanded prior to the communication loss.

最终, the ability to minimize communication losses helps train handling (the remotes can respond to what is being commanded by the lead) and it increases fuel efficiency (the train remains in Trip Optimizer auto control longer).

So, how do railroads reduce communication losses and maximize the value of distributed power? 技术已经出现了.

Advancements in Next Generation Distributed 权力 Technology: LOCOTROL XA

The 6th generation of the LOCOTROL Distributed 权力 platform is called LOCOTROL® XA, 扩展架构. It improves communication in several powerful ways:

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• 双无线电接收分集 facilitates a 50% reduction in Distributed 权力 communication loss, enabling trains to run at track speed more frequently and driving velocity improvements across the network.
• ITCM网络上的DP消息 (PTC network) provides additional communication options (220 MHz, 细胞, Wi-Fi)和更高的数据带宽, 作为无线网络的备份. This powerful new feature is proving to be a great way to gain communication when radio is not available.
• 综合热 & 列车中间HOT/EOT重复 reduces EOT communication losses and enables longer trains that run at track speeds more frequently.
• 三热冗余 DP无线电作为备选热无线电.
• 增强的诊断 provide the crew with greater insight to ensure mission success.

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结论

locontrol XA的高级通信功能, 包括无线电分集, 集成HOT/EOT重复, and radio backup with DP messages over the PTC network, ensure that communication losses are minimized and the value of Distributed 权力 trains is maximized. 结果:

• 增加火车运输能力
• 改进列车操作
• 提高燃油效率
• 提高网络速度
• 减少变化的
• Reduced costs; higher productivity

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