Railway Automation Research Articles

The Process Of Electronic Document Management In The System Of Railway Automation And Telemechanics

The article describes the processes of electronic document management of technical documentation in the system of railway automation and telemechanics. Electronic document management is important in enterprises, and this process increases efficiency, saves time, and ensures the security of documents. The electronic document management system includes several criteria in terms of storage capacity. Local and international quality regulatory models the level of construction of information storage is in accordance with certain standards. Types of electronic document management are considered, taking into account several features. Allows employees to receive new documents and automatically track deadlines by directing and monitoring document execution.

Динамические вопросники для организации систем поддержки принятия решений, интегрированных в программные средства диагностирования и мониторинга устройств железнодорожной автоматики

Динамические вопросники для организации систем поддержки принятия решений, интегрированных в программные средства диагностирования и мониторинга устройств железнодорожной автоматики

Online Intelligent Perception of Pantograph and Catenary System Status Based on Parameter Adaptation

Online autonomous perception of pantograph catenary system status is of great significance for railway autonomous operation and maintenance (RIOM). Image sensors combined with an image processing algorithm can realize the automatic acquisition of the pantograph catenary condition; however, it is difficult to meet the demand of long-term stable condition acquisition, which restricts the implementation of online contact state feedback and the realization of railway automation. This paper proposes an online intelligent perception of the pantograph and catenary system (PCS) status based on parameter adaptation to realize fast and stable state analysis when the train is in long-term operation outdoors. First, according to the feature of the contact point, we used histogram of gradient (HoG) features and one-dimensional signal combined with a KCF tracker as the baseline method. Then, a result discriminator located by L1 and hash similarity constraints was used to construct a closed-loop parameter adaptive localization framework, which retrieves and updates parameters when tracking failure occurs. After that, a pruned RefineDet method was used to detect pantograph horns and sparks, which, together with the contact points localization method, ensure the long-term stability of feature localization in PCS images. Then, based on the stereo cameras model, the three-dimensional trajectory of the whole pantograph body can be reconstructed by the image features, and we obtained pantograph catenary contact parameters including the pantograph slide posture, contact line offset, arc detection, separation detection, etc. Our method has been tested on more than 16,000 collected image pairs and the results show that the proposed method has a better positioning effect than the state-of-art method, and realizes the online acquisition of pantograph catenary contact state, representing a significant contribution to RIOM.

Analysis and classification of electronic document management system

The article describes a brief overview of the current condition of technical document of automation tools, formation and creation, and outcomes in terms of improving their efficiency. Electronic document workflow methods are considered and the advantages of their document management of document stages are given. The construction of automatic systems for electronic operation of documents and process of comparative analysis of these documents are presented. Electronic processing documents of railway automation and telemechanics are shown. The effects and security of electronic formation of documents are discussed.

Анализ загрузки путевого развития станции (по данным архивов систем централизаций стрелок и сигналов)

The development of equipment and technology of train operation, railway automation systems and new methods of train driving open the way for further intensification of train operation, reducing the time spent on standard operation procedures. Virtual coupling allows you to reduce a train-to-train interval. Automated schedules of the executed movement record performance of train operation, automate the formation of a train-dispatcher’s reports and delivery of orders to station attendants, allow timely detection of the causes of train delays and take appropriate measures. The points of growth in traffic intensity and volume could be in enhancing the level of intelligence of automation and telemechanics systems. Modern dispatch and electrical centralized systems contain archiving subsystems that store prompt train operation conditions and operator orders. But such data is used only when analyzing emergency situations - there is no systematic analysis of archive information to find hidden patterns and extract knowledge useful for optimizing the transportation process. In this paper, we propose a method for estimating the current train operation load of a railway station, and provide relative criteria for evaluating the actual load and algorithms for determining their numerical values. The analysis of the time series of the proposed criteria obtained for a single station equipped with a relay-processor centralized system is carried out. The analysis indicated a weekly cycle of train operation load of a station with good repeatability. The fact of reducing the speed of trains before the input signal in the through-pass routes with a preset route was revealed. Smoothing out the identified irregularities can positively affect the carrying capacity of a railway section as a whole.

Influence of innovative elements of railway infrastructure complex on the technology of the transport process

The transport industry in the modern period faces the challenges of digitalization, infrastructure modernization, and intensification of the use of existing lines. To carry out the transportation process, the railways of Russia are equipped with various technical devices and means, which include various devices of railway automation. Simultaneously with the development of new control systems, the introduction of new technologies of operational work is taking place. The paper considers the feasibility and efficiency of using mobile block sections and virtual couplings in conditions of limited capacity of railway directions, allowing to optimize the interval regulation of train traffic, reduce train intervals, reduce power consumption for traction, as well as infrastructure maintenance costs. The economic and technological aspects of the implementation of these innovations are revealed.

Functional features of the automated accounting and control system of signalling, centralization and blocking devices

The article illustrates the functional features of the automated system of operation of signalling, centralization and blocking devices, shows the interface of the automated system of accounting and control of railway automation and telemechanics devices, presents the system requirements and testing of the automated method. The process manages, and metering devices of automatics and telemechanics in the use of QR-coding method should be used for automated identification of devices of signalling, centralization and blocking with the aim of collecting data about installed devices, checking the correct replacement devices, data input on the implementation of the repair and acceptance, automated input of data on new devices submitted for repair and process areas.

The discipline content design “Fundamentals of Automation and Telemechanics” for the sustainable development of competencies within the framework of educational programs

The trajectory generation is necessary to achieve sustainable development and the formation of the competencies of a specialist in the field of railway automation and telemechanics and communications. The trajectory is formed through studying the disciplines of the curriculum. The discipline structure is an important factor for the formation of competencies. The article studies the matters related to the discipline content design “Fundamentals of Automation and Telemechanics” for students in the specialty “Train Control Systems” of various specializations. It is shown that despite the fact that the discipline “Fundamentals of Automation and Telemechanics” belongs to the core courses of the educational program, for the sustainable development of the competencies of students of various specializations, it should have a different content. An exemplary discipline content for various specializations is proposed. The formed competences are presented. Along with possible training methods.

Developing a new monitoring mechanism of electronic document management of technical documentation for railway automation

The methods of creating automation tools in the general and analytical process and improving their efficiency are carried out in terms of brief comments on construction and creation and improving their efficiency. Electronic record keeping systems are considered. The creation of automated electronic document management systems and a comparative analysis of these processes are presented. Methods of analysis, synthesis and study of technical documentation electronic document flow are formalized. A graphical model of the electronic document management of technical documents is synthesized. The developed model considers the division of document flows into a set of participants, processes and situations. It is recommended to use a set of matrices to determine the form of presentation of the workflow of technical documentation. Based on the apparatus of graph theory, a method of creating an electronic document management model of technical documents are developed.

Minimization of the automatic machine structure process of accounting and control of railway automation and telemechanics devices

The article explores the features of electronic document management of technical documentation of railway automation and telemechanics. A block diagram of an automaton model of technical documentation is developed. The proposed block diagram of a formalized model of technical documentation consists of matrices of external microoperations, internal microoperations, code creation for the following microcomponents. The number of internal states of the firmware is completely determined by the number of logic elements of the algorithms. The size of the matrices depends on the number of operators and logical conditions in the logic circuits of the algorithms. In this paper, a non-maximal group of compatible elements of logic circuits of algorithms is used as a microcommand, which led to the simplification of the matrix of the circuit of the firmware automaton. In the considered method of forming the maximum groups of compatible elements of logic schemes of algorithms, micro operations included in each micro command are performed simultaneously in one microtact. The structure of the firmware of the machine is simplified due to the transition from simple to complex micro-ops.

Building an electronic document management system railway automation and telemechanics

The article provides more information about a new method of controlling automation devices. The process sequence is considered as a function of the software part of the system. An automated system for replacing devices and an electronic document management system are proposed. In this process, the names of each device are obtained through a single data source. Information about each device is entered into the database and their control is automated by the personal code of each device. An easy and reliable system will be created for all employees. This process significantly increases the maintenance of automation devices.

Improvement of control devices for road sections of railway automation and telemechanics

In this scientific article, control sensors and control devices have been improved based on the method of counting arrows of the rolling stock of railway transport. The microprocessor-controlled control unit and control system have been simplified to manage traffic between two stations, and a self-monitoring, reliable and risky scheme has been developed. Wiring diagrams of existing transport relays have been updated for uninterruptible power supplies, microprocessor devices, and sensors. An automated schematic diagram with a microprocessor for signaling a collision of a railway with wagons has been created, and the order in which the speed of train movement approaches the crossing has been maintained. The complex functional control of rolling stock was improved based on the method of counting bullets, electronic archiving of the movement of orders of the train attendant and dispatcher, as well as the operation of devices for monitoring the technical condition of the station.

Method for Calculating Safety Features of Railway Automation Devices

The problem of quantitative analysis of safety of microelectronic and microprocessor systems of railway automation and telemechanics is considered. The problem remains relevant, since the subject of safety analysis is rarely occurring, but extremely dangerous events. The risk and significance of failure are selected as the main safety features of these systems. The way to identify a failure was chosen according to MILSTD‑1629A standard, as the most adequate.Calculated expressions for significance of a failure are proposed. The probability of a dangerous failure is calculated by the method of model analysis. It is proposed to calculate the probability of a failure further developing into an accident using scenario analysis methods by constructing event trees. Calculated ratios for ratings of violations are suggested, allowing to compare dangerous failures and emergency sequences developed from a failure. The risk assessment of operation of railway automation systems was selected not related to economic categories, and thus convenient for rationing. It is based on probabilistic concepts of the nature of risk and is calculated using the methods of probability theory. The developed design ratios and models make it possible to analyze performance of the functions of train traffic safety systems by methods common to control systems, at the same time reflecting the features of operation of railway automation.

Аналіз методів прогнозування технічного стану інформаційно-керуючих систем

The article presents the results of analysis and theoretical generalization of scientific works, which consider the problems of determining the condition and resource of technical means of information and management systems in industry. In spite of the specificity of construction and functioning of railway automatics systems, an approach to the synthesis of complex evaluation based on the formation of an integral indicator on the basis of data on the functioning of individual components.The problem of estimating the technical condition and resource of any technical means, and in particular OF the information and control systems, is very topical nowadays, because service methods and exploitation terms of a specific service are grounded on its basis. The issue of the resource intensity determination has become of particular importance during recent years, in connection with the introduction of information and control systems having a fundamentally new elementary basis. Furthermore, operating older relay type systems also demands to determine the date and time of their decommissioning.It should be noted that modern relay control systems used in railway transport, stay in operation for an average period of 35-40 years and or more. As a rule, the same exploitation terms are used during the development of regulatory documents regarding microprocessor system life cycle, without taking into account the fundamental differences in the design and element bases. Moreover, in most cases the decision is usually made administratively and is based on the expertise of a specific manager.This raises the question of formalizing this problem and the issue of the methods and mathematical models development for assessing the state and resource intensity of the railway transport information and control systems.

Integration of Control and Monitoring Systems

Stationary systems for monitoring devices of train traffic control are currently being implemented as external means of technical diagnostics and are located mainly centrally. The set of diagnostic parameters is scarce, and most measurements are indirect. This, ultimately, leads to low efficiency of monitoring systems, and the share of useful information from the total amount of data according to experts does not exceed 5 %. The development of monitoring technologies should follow the path of integration of measurement and control functions. The objective of the work is to draw the attention of the scientific community to the principles of monitoring and control systems implementation and the transition from their disunity to integration. Using methods of technical diagnostics and monitoring, it is proposed to switch to more advanced control systems with built-in means of troubleshooting and monitoring. The author has proposed the concept of integrated technical diagnostic tools with object controllers in the form of removable monitoring modules that transmit data along dedicated diagnostic transmission paths. Depending on the geographical location of the controller (centralized at the control station or decentralized near the controlled object), a set of diagnostic parameters is determined and a choice of diagnostic information processing methods is carried out. With decentralized location of controllers, the diagnostic modules can transmit diagnostic information from external and distributed sensors at railway infrastructure facilities. Implementation of the presented concept will allow receiving a much larger amount of initial data for operation of monitoring systems, including transition to obtaining digital twins of railway infrastructure facilities. In a broader sense, when organizing monitoring systems, it is necessary to focus not only on railway automation, but also pay attention to other infrastructure facilities serviced by personnel of adjacent sectors. Since all objects function together, such an approach to organization of monitoring will improve quality of diagnosis and prognosis, as well as provide an opportunity to assess the residual resource of technical objects.

Анализ подтверждения соответствия, обеспечение качества и безопасности микропроцессорных систем железнодорожной автоматики

The article analyzes the current regulatory framework for proof of safety, quality assurance, and confi rmation of the conformity of microprocessor-based railway automation and remote control systems in the EAEU. CENELEC standards are briefl y discussed. A brief overview is provided as regards measures to ensure the required level of safety of microprocessor-based railway automation and remote control systems from the point of view of quality management of development, safety management, and confi rmation of the proper functioning of microprocessor systems. The practice of confi rming the railway transport automated process control systems comply with standards in the form of a declaration of conformity per TR CU 003/2011 has been analyzed. It is concluded that there is a need to develop a regulatory framework to ensure regulated analysis and assessment of railway automation and remote control systems following the requirements of functional safety, as well as further development of standardization documents to regulate methods for assessing functional safety.

Forecast dynamics of human and technical factors influence on railway automation operational reliability

The correlation of the influence of human and technical factors on railway automation operational reliability has been processed over the past few years. For these purposes, the reports of the Department of Automation and Telecommunications of the Joint Stock Company «Ukrainian Railways» for 2010-2018 were used, as well as materials from relevant publications and scientific conferences. Trends have been formed on the dynamics of human and technical factors influence on the operational reliability of railway automation, which is determined by the failure statistics depending on the influence of various components. Using the methods of quadratic regression and moving average, taking into account the current trends in the dynamics of failures by years, a forecast of the ratio of these factors up to 2030 has been made up. The selected forecasting end date has been determined by the Ukraine’s Transport Strategy approved by the government, in which the specified year is defined as the final one. It has been established that in the absence of comprehensive modernization of the automation and telecommunications facilities in the railway sector, as early as in 2024, the equalization of the influence of human and technical factors on the operational reliability of automation devices is to take place, with the subsequent growth of the technical factor. Accordingly, the conclusion has been made that the problem of modernization of systems and means of automation in railway transport with the use of digitalization technologies for technological processes has become still more urgent

Track circuits adjusting calculation method under current influence traction interference and electromagnetic compatibility

The problem of railway transport electromagnetic compatibility automation systems in recent years has been aggravated by the use of power frequency converters in electric transport drives, which significantly increase the efficiency of traction characteristics of 3-phase electric engine. However, estimate relevant harmonic levels in the frequency range used in track circuits of railway automation and telemechanic systems. The paper provides theoretical justification for practical measurements of interference. It is shown, that the interference coefficients monotonically increase in the following cases: 1) increase in the value of the harmonic frequency; 2) increase in the propagation constant, taking into account the supports resistance of the contact network; 3) increase in the circuits track length. Operating frequencies of tonal track circuits up to 800 Hz, the interference increase rate in given length of the rail circuit slows down. The increase in interference coefficients depending on the mentioned factors is explained by the fact that with current part growth of the harmonic flows from the traction substation through the earth increases and thereby creates currents asymmetry of the track circuits.

Main electromagnetic jammer sources with impact on the railroad automation systems

The article presents some results of research to improve the stability of rail circuits and automatic cab signaling on the Railways. Signals of automatic locomotive signaling under the influence of stationary harmonic and random impulse noise are considered, the sources of which can be power lines, power devices, radio frequency electromagnetic fields, electrostatic discharges, lightning discharges, traction power supply and rail networks, as well as adjacent rail circuits. Particular attention is paid to the negative effects of reverse traction current and the uneven magnetization of the rails. It is shown that the practical implementation and application of the developed methods to increase the reliability of automatic locomotive signaling systems should suppress powerful interference from reverse traction currents that occur on locomotive receiving coils during heavy train traffic. Also, this should provide suppression of interference from the uneven magnetic field of the rails laid in the path or in the rut and at the ends of the sleepers. This will lead to a decrease in the intensity of failures in the operation of automatic locomotive signaling and to an increase in the level of safety and uninterrupted movement of trains. The results are successfully used on the railways of Russia and abroad.

Analysis and prediction of the stability of train control systems to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses of intentional action

Problem of ensuring stability of railway automation systems to ultra-wideband pulses of an electromagnetic field is considered. These pulses can be used to intentionally affect the equipment of these systems. It is shown that modern complex systems of control and safety of train traffic are vulnerable to electromagnetic impulses of intentional action. The features that determine the difference between the problem of ensuring the stability of railway automation systems from information systems are highlighted. In particular, microprocessor-based automation systems are geographically distributed and accessible for action from a short distance. The test generators used to prove immunity to electromagnetic impulses from intentional exposure are unique installations. Therefore, to reduce the number of tests design estimates and comprehensive tests for immunity to electromagnetic interference are required. Electrostatic discharges have the widest frequency spectrum. They act on the same apertures in the housings of technical means of railway automation systems as impulses of intentional action. The level of energy absorbed in electronic nodes can be calculated using the Rayleigh theorem. The electromagnetic field inside the housing is determined by the known relations for the radiation of the antennas and depends on the spectrum of the electric component of the field in the antenna aperture. This spectrum, in turn, depends on the spectrum of the electrostatic discharge pulse and the geometric parameters of the antenna. When an electromagnetic wave of an intentional impulse is incident, the aperture releases this impulse and transmits it into the housing. Therefore, the intentional impulse emitted into the housing and the electrostatic discharge impulse can be compared in shape and amplitude. Pulses of different shapes, in turn, can be compared using the spectral-energy equivalence condition. Intentional impulse equivalent to an electrostatic discharge impulse and, accordingly, having the same energy with it, causes exactly the same failures or setback of the element base. The amplitude of the pulse received by the aperture and the amplitude of the transmitted pulse are related by the utilization of the antenna. Thus, authors have obtained a technique for indirectly assessing the influence of an electromagnetic pulse of intentional action based on the calculated prediction of the resistance of railway automation systems to electrostatic discharges. An analogue of the equation of power suppression of radioelectronic means is obtained, which allows finding the parameters of an electromagnetic pulse generator that creates dangerous pulses for railway automation systems. Also, this equation allows calculating the size of the suppression zone for a given generator.