Mercitalia Intermodal and PJM to realise Europe’s smartest rail freight train

Mercitalia Intermodal (Polo Mercitalia – Gruppo FS Italiane) and PJM put the smartest rail freight train on track

Due to a wide range of functionalities, Mercitalia Intermodal benefits from shorter delivery times as well as condition-based main-tenance providing concrete and relevant information. All this together results in savings on maintenance and servicing, more safety and greater efficiency. The gamut of functionalities comprises:

Condition-based monitoring in real-time

► Multi-diagnosis system for load monitoring,brake analysis and brake system moni-toring in real-time (correct function of thebrakes in terms of pressure in the mainpipe, load and cylinder pressure during still-stand and on the ride, brake energy analy-sis in order for early detection of defectiveand overloaded brake systems)
► Train dynamic control to identify critical running situations and defects
► Determination of running comfort and run-ning safety as well as detection of longitudi-nal and vertical impacts
► Real-time trestle monitoring for reliable and safe detection of the correct setting for trailer transports in the intermodal sector
► Automated brake testing system developed by PJM, SBB Cargo and Rail Cargo Group

The integrated in-train communication is capable of transmitting data to the train driver in case of derailment, incorrect braking condi-tions, brake overloads, hot box warnings, tres-tle monitoring and any other safety-related and technical relevant problems. This technol- ogy, which is now available, serves to increase safety and avoid critical running situations and defects, as well as to optimize operation-al processes and to increase efficiency. „With this digital all-round equipment, the intelligent freight train has already reached nearly the full development stage and can be expanded to include coupling functions with the DAC5, if required. The smartest freight train covers all relevant functions, from transport prepa-ration to monitoring during transport”, says Günter Petschnig, CEO of PJM. „Mercitalia is one of the leading railway companies in igital
rail freight transport and has been operat-ing hundreds of wagons equipped with this powerful system for years.

Today, this experience is used to further develop and optimize the system. Due to the modular design of the technical solution, existing freight wagons can be upgraded as required. For this ultra-smart pilot train have been implemented all the relevant features required by the international railway industry for a long time”. And Marian-to Zocco, CTO of Mercitalia Intermodal adds “Technological innovation is fundamental for the future of our business; we need reliable and easily implementable solutions that allow us to improve safety, increase efficiency thanks to predictive maintenance and, thus, to meet market needs.”

The majority of the functionalities are performed via the proven, digital overall system WaggonTracker. The dynamic control functions and the automated braking system monitoring functions as well as the trestle monitoring are to be developed and optimized in the course of the Combined Transport project,together with Mercitalia Intermodal and TX Logistik AG. Thanks to the technical concept, the overall-system is fully scalable and can be expanded by any complex monitoring and automation processes, which is currently only provided by the aggonTracker system.

The basis of the smart freight train is the digital overall system WaggonTracker WaggonTracker serves as the basic platform for this wide range of functionalities. The digital overall system is powerful and energy-autonomous thanks to the wheel hub generator. WaggonTracker is also scalable for further applications requested by the customer. The system can operate the digital goods train without DAC, but is also compatible with DAC systems. Due to the modality of the system, it is possible to integrate any number of sensors, e.g. for axle bearing temperature monitoring. The in-train communication is based on a long-range radio system (based on LoRa) that is designed for maximum availability and ensures an encrypted, secured connection as well as direct communication to the locomotive driver.

The smart functionalities of the Mercitalia freight train at a glance

► Train dynamic control
► Axle bearing temperature monitoring and warning
► Impact detection and vertical impact monitoring
► Handbrake position monitoring
► Monitoring of running comfort and running safety
► Wheel flat detection
► General monitoring functions such as mileage, position data, historical data, geofencing
► Protection against incorrect or improper use (incorrect usage report, etc.)
► 2-channel long-range radio system for in-train communication based on LoRa technology
► Environmental temperature
► Automated brake system monitoring in terms of functionality and proper usage of the brake system
► Brake energy analysis and calculation of wear for condition-based maintenance
► Automatic brake test (ABT) with SIL2 certification
► Integrated trestle monitoring
► Load weight determination and load distribution

PJM at a glance
PJM is an internationally renowned system specialist for rail transport and has successfully implemented projects in 30 countries on 6 continents. As an accredited test centre according to ISO/IEC 17025, PJ Messtechnik GmbH hast specialized on tests for the approval of rail vehic-
les worldwide. PJ Monitoring GmbH is a technology leader in the automation of rail freight transport with forward-looking comprehensive solutions. PJM was founded in 2006. 60 employees at the Graz site ensure „100 % Made in Austria“: R&D, hardware and software development, production & administration come exclusively from Austria.

www.pjm.co.at

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