PJM’s proven digital train functions and Automatic Brake Test provide immediate operational advantages and secure a future-ready system designed for seamless interoperability
Rail freight transport is set to grow in order to meet European climate targets, despite significant cost pressures and a shortage of skilled workers.
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Credit: With courtesy of Voith, free of charge
Rail logistics operators must ensure cost-effectiveness, speed and reliability. New technologies are the answer to these challenges, but only if they are available now and relevant for the future. PJM‘s WaggonTracker system is the clear choice for those looking to automate rail transport operations. This digital system is the only one on the market that automates rail freight transport and enables in-depth real-time monitoring of all relevant wagon components on a single platform.
The PJM solution delivers immediate operational optimisation and ensures system security for the future. It is compatible with other applications, couplings and a future DAC
This has already been proven and demonstrated on numerous occasions. The digital train control functions have been in successful international use for years, with several thousand systems implemented for renowned customers such as SBB Cargo, FS LogistiX, Mercer, Plasser & Theurer, TRANSWAGGON, VTG and Tatravagónka. The features of the WaggonTracker system have proven their worth, as have its connectivity with customer-specific systems and its powerful, autonomous power supply via the axle box generator. The Automated Brake Test has been tried and tested over many years and was already in operational use since 2017. It is the only approved system of its kind worldwide and is a key factor in optimising and speeding up train preparation.
The Automatic Brake Test has also proved highly effective on DAC test trains, most recently on the Westfälische Landes-Eisenbahn as part of a DAC4EU project. The functionalities of the Wagon Tracker already include those that will be implemented in a freight wagon or freight train with the roll-out of the FP5 Trans4MR Basic Package from the European DAC Delivery Programme. In particular, these include the supply of power and data to the freight wagons in order to determine the train composition, train length and train integrity. Building on this, the automated brake test can then be performed. The wagons can also be automatically uncoupled from the train driver‘s cab once the technical requirements for the coupling have been met.
The WaggonTracker system is suitable for all types of rolling stock; Plasser & Theurer, amongst others, also recognises the benefits of the Automated Brake Test and brake monitoring for railway maintenance machines. The system is used on new rolling stock, but is also frequently deployed on existing rolling stock due to its clear advantages in terms of efficiency and safety. Its modular design allows to select the monitoring features as required. “The system is highly flexible, optimises fleet operation and availability, and enhances safety. We have a comprehensive system that is designed and built for rail logistics operations and has proven itself over many years in use from Scandinavia to the south of Italy – and is future-proof,” says Günter Petschnig, CEO of PJ Monitoring.
Digital Train Functions
Automated Brake Test
Carries out the safety-critical and mandatory brake inspection via a tablet, replacing the labour-intensive and time-consuming inspection rounds. Drastically reduces train preparation time from 2 ×40 minutes to less than 5 minutes for a 500-metre long freight train.
Loading Monitoring
Prevents overloading or incorrect loading, thereby maximising transport capacity.
Trestle Monitoring
Determines, amongst other things, the condition of the kingpin in real-time, detecting mechanical defects or misuse at an early stage.
Brake System Monitoring & Real-Time Brake Analysis
Provides real-time data on brake functionality, wear,overloading, etc.
Derailment Diagnosis (IDDS)
Detects derailments, vehicle damage and faulty components, and alerts the train driver in real time.
Impact Monitoring, Handbrake Monitoring, Cargo and Theft Monitoring (including door alarms), Flat Spot Diagnosis
Provide benefits in terms of safety and cost-efficiency, and enables predictive maintenance.
Mileage, current position, last report and movement, current country, nearest town, historical data, geofencing, direction of travel, wheelset mileage management, acceleration, interior humidity and temperature
General monitoring providing crucial information on the freight train in real-time. In-Train-Communication Local LoRa radio system within the train set via an encrypted, secure connection; locally available;interoperable.
In-Train-Communication
Local LoRa radio system within the train set via an encrypted, secure connection; locally available; interoperable
Coupling compatibility
The WaggonTracker system is compatible with screw couplings and future DAK solutions.
The system can be integrated into a DAC system from various manufacturers (interface definition and subsequent system integration), despite the differences in system architecture.
DAK-Projekte
→ WLE test train in commercial operation (Westfälische Landesbahn): Automatic brake test and 400-volt powersupply from PJM
Coupler: Cargo-Flex from Voith
→ Project: DAC4EU
(https://www.dac4.eu/dac)
→ Prototype test train: Automatic brake test from PJM with connection to Powerline PLUS and 400-volt power supply from plc-tec
Coupling: Fully automatic mechanical and pneumatic centre-buffer coupling (DAC2) Project: FP5-TRANS4M-R
https://rail-research.europa.eu/latest-news/successful-testing-of-the-dac-with-powerline-train-backbone/
About PJM
PJ Monitoring is part of PJM, a globally renowned rail systems specialist. PJM has successfully implemented projects in 30 countries across 6 continents and currently comprises 7 companies in Austria and Switzerland.
→ Due to its WaggonTracker system, PJ Monitoring GmbH is the technology leader in the automation and digitalisation of rail freight transport. PJ Monitoring is the only company in the world to have an approved automatic brake test. Other unique digital train functions include load weight monitoring, and brake monitoring in real-time. PJ Monitoring has successfully deployed Europe‘s most intelligent freight train, a feat that has already earned them 12 prestigious international and national awards, including the State Prize for Digitalisation and the ERCI Innovation Award in the ‚Most Successful SME‘ category.
→ PJ Messtechnik GmbH is an accredited testing laboratory according to ISO/IEC 17025. It carries out tests worldwide for the approval of rail vehicles.
→ PJ Motion specialises in authorisation management in accordance with the 4th Railway Package and has extensive expertise in the operational and vehicle integration of brake tests
→ RCC Railway Competence and Certification GmbH, an accredited inspection body in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065, specialises in certification and safety assessments.
→ INFRATRACK Solutions GmbH operates a test and innovation centre on the site of the decommissioned coal-fired power station in Mellach, Austria.
→ EMV Rail Services GmbH specialises in EMC measurements.
→ PJM Suisse GmbH is the local contact in Switzerland for the entire range of services offered by the PJM Group.
Around 90 employees ensure that everything is “100% Made in Austria”: R&D, hardware and software development, production and administration are all based exclusively in Austria.
www.pjmonitoring.com
