Advanced Train Management System

Last updated

The Advanced Train Management System is a train control system under development by Lockheed Martin for Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). [1] [2] The ATMS uses Global Positioning System to locate and track the position of trains within the ARTC network. [3] In particular the system will be deployed across the Nullabor Plain to connect the eastern states of Australia with Perth and Western Australia. [4] ATMS has been proposed as a low cost functional equivalent to European Rail Traffic Management System.

Contents

Outline

ATMS is a rail safe working system based on radio communication. Authorities are issued to equipped trains to allow them to proceed to a specified point. The ATMS compares the movement of an equipped train to the authority which has been issued, and then brakes the train if it exceeds the authority.

ATMS does not use balises, such as the ETCS system from Europe. [5]

ATMS's particular strength is to improve safety and efficiency in remote areas where communications and power infrastructure is limited, such as in deserts. It thus involves a mixture of land-based and satellite technologies for communications and renewable power supplies due to lack of mains electricity in many cases.

Excellent following headways on single lines is provided, in excess of what is economically possible with conventional intermediate block signals. The cost of level crossing protection is reduced due to the elimination of the need for track circuits.

Trains speeds are regulated according to the speeds along the track and through turnouts (switches).

ATMS system components

ATMS is composed of the following sub-systems: [6]

ATMS Components
ComponentFunction
TrainborneLocation determination, train control and integrity reporting.
Trackside Interface Unit (TIU)Electronic interface unit between ATMS and controlled/monitored point machines.
Train Control System (TCS)Network controller’s board for train movement control/monitoring.
Authority Management Server (AMS)Vital automatic authority validation, route interlocking and authority transmission to trains.
Communications SystemARTC encrypted network connection between ARTC Network Control Centre(s), ATMS equipped rail traffic and trackside interface units over Telstra’s mobile network.
Track Database (TDB)Electronic representation of track layout/features. A version of the TDB resides in trainborne, TCS and AMS software.

Implementation

After 10 years of development, ATMS has been implemented on the short Port Augusta to Whyalla railway. The next phase is between Port Augusta via Adelaide to Melbourne. The Inland Railway is to benefit from a $20m contract for its 1700 km of track.

Track borne equipment

Trainborne equipment

Drivers use a touch screen device located in the console – called a Driver Machine Interface or DMI – which provides information on the train’s movement and integrity, authority, target speed location, as well as other traffic, geographic and track features. The DMI enhances a driver’s situational awareness through a 10 km ‘look ahead’ view of work sites and changes in network conditions. A blue column bar represents the train’s length, direction of travel as well as the kilometre post position. The lower green horizontal line represents the train’s movement authority. Once a train has an authority, it can continue to the limit of its authority autonomously even if communications fail. Before moving into ATMS territory, the train communicates with the Network Control Centre (NCC) and the driver enters data via the DMI - digitally connecting the driver, train and NCC in real time. Train crews are automatically advised of speed restrictions, approaching speed limit changes as well as track work locations. When a train is within 10 km of a temporary speed restriction, a yellow braking curve followed by an alert will appear on the DMI. [7]

The Location Determination System (LDS) software uses a highly sophisticated dual feed from two GPS antennas to fix the train’s location. The software compares these two GPS inputs then further compares onboard sensors, the tachometer, and the track database to exactly fix the train’s location. Under normal conditions, location reporting to ATMS occurs every 15 seconds. The Train Control & Display (TC&D) software controls train functions such as train integrity monitoring, braking enforcement, driver display management and message exchange between the DMI and AMS.

End of train unit

Timeline

2021

2020

2018

2013

Because of delays in the development of ATMS, it was decided to equip the Port Augusta - Tarcoola section with conventional CTC signalling. [8]

2005

Other systems

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Railway signalling</span> The principle of signals used to control railway traffic

Railway signalling (BE), or railroad signaling (AE), is a system used to control the movement of railway traffic. Trains move on fixed rails, making them uniquely susceptible to collision. This susceptibility is exacerbated by the enormous weight and inertia of a train, which makes it difficult to quickly stop when encountering an obstacle. In the UK, the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 introduced a series of requirements on matters such as the implementation of interlocked block signalling and other safety measures as a direct result of the Armagh rail disaster in that year.

The Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) is a train protection system used throughout the British passenger main-line railway network, and in Victoria, Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rail transport in Australia</span>

Rail transport in Australia is a component of the Australian transport system. It is to a large extent state-based, as each state largely has its own operations, with the interstate network being developed ever since Australia's federation in 1901. As of 2022, the Australian rail network consists of a total of 32,929 kilometres (20,461 mi) of track built to three major track gauges: 18,007 kilometres (11,189 mi) of standard gauge, 2,685 kilometres (1,668 mi) of broad gauge, and 11,914 kilometres (7,403 mi) of narrow gauge lines. Additionally, about 1,400 kilometres (870 mi) of 610 mm / 2 ft gauge lines support the sugar-cane industry. 3,488 kilometres (2,167 mi), around 11 percent of the Australian heavy railways network route-kilometres are electrified.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Signal passed at danger</span> Train passing stop signal without authority

A signal passed at danger (SPAD), known in the United States as a stop signal overrun (SSO) and in Canada as passing a stop signal, is an event on a railway where a train passes a stop signal without authority. This is also known as running a red.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automatic Warning System</span> Railway safety system in United Kingdom

Automatic Warning System (AWS) is a railway safety system invented and predominantly used in the United Kingdom. It provides a train driver with an audible indication of whether the next signal they are approaching is clear or at caution. Depending on the upcoming signal state, the AWS will either produce a 'horn' sound, or a 'bell' sound. If the train driver fails to acknowledge a warning indication, an emergency brake application is initiated by the AWS. However if the driver correctly acknowledges the warning indication by pressing an acknowledgement button, then a visual 'sunflower' is displayed to the driver, as a reminder of the warning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cab signalling</span> Railway safety system

Cab signaling is a railway safety system that communicates track status and condition information to the cab, crew compartment or driver's compartment of a locomotive, railcar or multiple unit. The information is continually updated giving an easy to read display to the train driver or engine driver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Railways in Adelaide</span> Regional rail network

The rail network in Adelaide, South Australia, consists of four lines and 89 stations, totalling 132 km (82 mi). It is operated by Keolis Downer under contract from the Government of South Australia, and is part of the citywide Adelaide Metro public transport system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian Rail Track Corporation</span> Australian railway infrastructure management corporation

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is an Australian Government-owned statutory corporation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Linienzugbeeinflussung</span> In-cab signalling and train protection system

Linienzugbeeinflussung is a cab signalling and train protection system used on selected German and Austrian railway lines as well as on the AVE and some commuter rail lines in Spain. The system was mandatory where trains were allowed to exceed speeds of 160 km/h (99 mph) in Germany and 220 km/h (140 mph) in Spain. It is also used on some slower railway and urban rapid transit lines to increase capacity. The German Linienzugbeeinflussung translates to continuous train control, literally: linear train influencing. It is also called linienförmige Zugbeeinflussung.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Punktförmige Zugbeeinflussung</span> German railway signal system

PZB or Indusi is an intermittent cab signalling system and train protection system used in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Israel, Serbia, on two lines in Hungary, on the Tyne and Wear Metro in the UK, and formerly on the Trillium Line in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dry Creek–Port Adelaide railway line</span> Railway line in Adelaide, South Australia

The Dry Creek–Port Adelaide railway line is an eight-kilometre east–west freight railway line running through Adelaide's north-western suburbs. The line is managed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and is an important link between Port Adelaide, Pelican Point and the main interstate rail routes which link Adelaide with Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Sydney. Prior to 1988, a limited local passenger service operated, stopping at five intermediate stations along the line. Since May 1988, the line has been freight-only.

Australian railway signalling varies between the States of Australia, because the individual States are responsible for the railway systems within their own borders, with, historically, no need to co-ordinate between states except at the boundaries.

A train protection system is a railway technical installation to ensure safe operation in the event of human error.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Axle counter</span>

An axle counter is a system used in railway signalling to detect the clear or occupied status of a section of track between two points. The system generally consists of a wheel sensor and an evaluation unit for counting the axles of the train both into and out of the section. They are often used to replace a track circuit.

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is the system of standards for management and interoperation of signalling for railways by the European Union (EU). It is conducted by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and is the organisational umbrella for the separately managed parts of

The Chinese Train Control System is a train control system used on railway lines in People's Republic of China. CTCS is similar to the European Train Control System (ETCS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Application of railway signals</span> Overview of train traffic management

The application of railway signals on a rail layout is determined by various factors, principally the location of points of potential conflict, as well as the speed and frequency of trains and the movements they require to make.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Communications-based train control</span> Railway signaling system

Communications-based train control (CBTC) is a railway signaling system that uses telecommunications between the train and track equipment for traffic management and infrastructure control. CBTC allows a train's position to be known more accurately than with traditional signaling systems. This makes railway traffic management safer and more efficient. Metros are able to reduce headways while maintaining or even improving safety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anuncio de Señales y Frenado Automático</span> Spanish train protection system

Anuncio de Señales y Frenado Automático is an Automatic Train Protection system widely deployed on the Spanish rail network. It consists of a mechanism that stops a train if the driver does not properly heed signals.

Route knowledge is one of the core skills together with train handling and a full understanding of railway rules, which the operating crew must possess in order to be able to operate a train safely.

References

  1. Project Project
  2. "Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) (Page 1) / Signalling and Infrastructure / Forums / Railpage". railpage.com.au. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  3. "Advanced Train Management System". Acmena. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  4. Wilkinson, Bronte (2021-02-26). "Partnership between ARTC and Lockheed Martin Australia delivers next generation technology to Australia's rail freight network". ARTC. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  5. "Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) Increased rail capacity, operational flexibility and improved safety" (PDF). Lockheed Martin ATMS project description page. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  6. "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" (PDF). ARTC Homepage. ARTC. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
  7. "ATMS product specifications" (PDF). ARTC homepage. ARTC. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  8. CTC
  9. "Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) (Page 1) / Signalling and Infrastructure / Forums / Railpage (ARTC-LM)". railpage.com.au. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  10. "Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) (Page 3) / Signalling and Infrastructure / Forums / Railpage (RP)". railpage.com.au. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  11. "Funding announced for train management system (Page 1) / Signalling and Infrastructure / Forums / Railpage (RP funding)". railpage.com.au. Retrieved 2021-03-01.