Driver Advisory System

OVERVIEW/BACKGROUND

(6 May 2015) Driver Advisory Systems (DAS) are used by operators to optimise a train’s speed over a given route. This results in more efficient energy usage, improved punctuality and increased network capacity alongside a reduction in driver stress levels. DAS achieves this by providing real time advice to the driver based on timetables and speed restrictions from Network Rail (NR).

In this particular example, Stagecoach South West Trains (SSWT) needed to operate a greater number of trains per hour on the mainline in to and out of the London terminal station of Waterloo, without any adverse effect upon punctuality.

By regulating train speed and avoiding conflicts with other services SSWT aimed to increase the network capacity from 24 to 28 trains per hour. Reducing energy consumption was not the main purpose of this project, but was welcomed by SSWT as an added benefit.

WORK UNDERTAKEN

In 2013, Stagecoach South West Trains (SSWT) awarded DB ESG and Railway Approvals a contract for the turnkey installation of a Driver Advisory System (DAS) onto 249 units (498 cabs), as detailed in Table 1 below.

DB ESG partnered with Danish DAS equipment supplier Cubris, with many years of experience in developing and supporting DAS installations. Cubris’ proven ‘GreenSpeed’ DAS equipment has been fitted fleet-wide across Danish State Railways since March 2012.

DESIGN

• Creation of 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) models of the applicable areas of the vehicles.
• Production of detailed 2D manufacturing and installation drawings of all additional wiring, brackets and mounting arrangements.
• New modification electrical schematics and wiring diagrams where required.
• Updating of existing Rolling Stock owner schematics diagrams where necessary.

APPROVALS

• ESG submitted design packages for scrutiny by their related but separate Certification body Railway Approvals, ensuring all designs met the relevant UK Railway Group standards.
• Railway Approvals based this work on the DeBo (Designated Body) methodology utilising a two-stage approach.
• Stage 1 – An assessment against the applicable standards from the UK Railway Group Standards Catalogue and reviewed evidence of compliance to other International standards
• Stage 2 - An assessment based upon the requirements for DeBo assessment

For each installation location, an audit of the Quality Management System (QMS) and an inspection of a modified vehicle was carried out.

EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT

ESG supplied the following materials for first in class and full fleet fitment: Driver Machine Interface (DMI) and integrated Panel PC for all vehicles (developed and manufactured by Cubris); Cab desk DAS screen housing kit; Power supply unit; Power cabling; Ethernet cabling; M12 D Coded connectors; Brackets for power supplies and Ethernet connection plates; Miniature Circuit Breaker; Cable sleeving; Sundries (including cable ties, idents, crimps) and Assembly and kitting and Tooling.

INSTALLATION

ESG was be responsible for the First in Class (FiC) installation for the remainder of the fleet. This included not only the installation of equipment but also the testing and commissioning.