SERVING THE WORLD’S RAILWAYS

New innovations for the Infrastructure and Traction & Rolling Stock using 4G technology

The Digital Railway

Unipart Rail, in conjunction with Manchester Metropolitan University and KTP, is developing a range of innovative applications for 4G condition monitoring in the Rail industry.The KTP - Knowledge Transfer Partnership - is designed to fast-track 4G technology into the rail industry by combining the best academic thinking with practical industry-specific technical capabilities. The Technology

Using wireless, self-powered sensor units, condition monitoring and other sensing applications can be deployed to deliver both real-time and stored data harvesting.Utilising a modular, pluggable system, the Unipart approach means that systems can be expanded, redeployed or reused according to tactical requirements.And because the modules are self-powered, an entire system can be installed without requiring integration into power supplies.Data Storage and Transmission

Data can be managed in one of two ways.1. Storage on a ruggedised SD card for access after events.2. Direct transmission via mobile networks into the Network Rail Intelligent Infrastructure system, or to TOC operational systems.Energy Harvesting

Our technology uses solar, vibration and thermo-electric technologies to generate and store energy, tailored to the location and application.Movement and Temperature

The integration of temperature sensors enables extreme temperature fluctuations to be measured, whilst accelerometers detect small movements in position and orientation to give early indications of abnormal movements or activity. Integrating these sensors into mesh networks also allows the relative position of assets to be monitored and reported on.

Wireless Radio

Sensors

Energy Harvesting

Intelligent Reporting

Low Power

System Components

Applications

The Unipart system has many applications across the Infrastructure and Traction & Rolling Stock, with some already approaching trial stage. Further applications and testing sites will enable more developments to help maintainers and operators manage their assets.

4G Condition Monitoring

• Bridge movement• Bridge strike• Track-bed movement• Trespass alert• Vibration monitoring• Track Circuit monitoring

• Freight wagon systems failure• Derailment• Detached wagon/carriage

What is the 4G system?As 4G / LTE technology becomes more widely deployed this will be the natural choice for transmitting data from remote sensors. 4G technology is marketed to consumers as being able to deliver high data rates. For some limited condition monitoring applications this might be useful (video for example), but lots of power would be needed and the radio modules are complicated (expensive).

But using 4G will bring benefits in low power environments. Recent additions to the 4G standard (LTE-M Rel. 12) specify a lower complexity category of devices with reduced power requirements and lower costs.

To save on installation costs, each of the sensors will be equipped with a radio module to allow condition updates to be delivered from remote locations. These updates could be delivered using commercial mobile networks or Network Rail’s own radio infrastructure if that becomes available.

Why is condition monitoring important? Condition monitoring is important because it gives a window onto the current state of the asset that is being monitored.

Is the track bed slowly subsiding? A network of sensors can give a long term view, allowing remedial works to be carried out before the situation becomes dangerous.

Has a bridge been struck? An instant notification from condition monitoring equipment could send an alert immediately.

The earlier the problem is detected, the faster it can be remedied - reducing delays, costs and possible safety implications.

Visit www.unipartrail.com for details of our Worldwide Regional Offices

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nipart Rail. Decem

ber 2014

Unipart Rail (Infrastructure)

Gresty Road, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 6EH

Tel: +44 (0)1270 847 600 Fax: +44 (0)1270 847 601email: enquiries@unipartrail.com

About UnipartThe Unipart Group is a leading UK manufacturer, full service logistics provider and consultant in operational excellence. Operating across a range of market sectors, including automotive, manufacturing, mobile telecoms, rail, retail and technology, Unipart offers a breadth of services to a wide range of blue chip clients internationally.

About Knowledge Transfer PartnershipsKnowledge Transfer Partnerships is an innovation delivery mechanism operated by Innovate UK - http:// ktp.innovateuk.org - the UK’s innovation agency.