SOLUTIONS FOR RAIL TRANSPORT

DEUTA-WERKE EQUIPMENT

 

 

Aksel is an authorized representative of Deuta-Werke GmbH – a well-known and recognized manufacturer of equipment for rail transport.

Deuta-Werke's main area of activity is design, manufacturing and development of complete systems of advanced equipment ensuring safe traffic of rail vehicles – from sensors to recorders to multi-functional terminals.

Deuta-Werke's products are designed to meet specific security requirements from SIL1 to SIL4.

Thanks to a very good knowledge of the Polish market and to support of a strong German partner, Aksel is able to provide comprehensive support to our clients – from placing the order to individual device configuration to obsolescence management.

 

 

1.1. Multi-function recorders

 

Deuta-Werke GmbH has been designing, manufacturing and developing recorders since 1925. The company is one of the global leaders among manufacturers of such equipment for rail transport.

 

In designing REDBOX recorders, Deuta-Werke has focused on a uniform platform as a basis for various device versions. The device core, with communications structure, microprocessor and memory module, forms a stable base for all REDBOX recorders.

 

REDBOX recorders are designed to integrate with the system environment of the vehicle, forming real "tachometer hubs".

Overview of the advantages of REDBOX recorder family:

• perfectly suited to customer's needs – thanks to manufacturer's control over the entire life cycle of the product: design, manufacturing, configuration, fitting, technical support and obsolescence management
• stable operation – thanks to a uniform technological concept applied to all types of multi-function recorders
• reliability – thanks to robust construction, designed to withstand difficult environments
• comfort of operation – thanks to advanced service functionalities for remote and direct readout and analysis of trip parameters
• functionality – thanks to the possibility to adjust multi-function recorders to almost any vehicle system environment
• data security – thanks to storing the data in the recorder after readout and optional external protected memory
• compliance with legal requirements – thanks to conformity with EN 50155, EN 50121-3-2, EN 50126, EN 50128 and EN 50129 standards

 

REDBOXlog

 

 

The REDBOXlog recorder, with integrated Profibus, operates on an international scale as an ETCS Juridicial Recorder. Travel data is read out according to CENELEC Subset 027. It is also used as part of the ATP automated train protection system.

 

Design

• compact, space-saving
• easy to install
• box housing or 19" rack module

 

Data logging

• adjustable data logging resolution
• internal memory card storage (the data remains in the recorder after readout, the oldest data is overwritten when memory is full)
• travel data readout via USB memory
• reconstruction of travel parameters at any resolution

 

Operation

• access via standard web browser (also remotely – if the vehicle's onboard network allows)
• support for various operating systems
• compatibility with ADS4 data analysis software

 

Safety

• compatibility with ETCS/ERTMS requirements
• data readout according to CENELEC Subset 027
• operation with optional protected memory (available separately)

 

REDBOXpro

 

 

The most popular data recorder model. Optionally can be fitted with display and keypad.

 

Design

• compact, space-saving
• easy to install
• friendly utility model

Data logging

• adjustable data logging resolution
• internal memory card storage (the data remains in the recorder after readout, the oldest data is overwritten when memory is full)
• travel data readout via USB memory
• reconstruction of travel parameters at any resolution

 

Operation

• access via standard web browser (also remotely – if the vehicle's onboard network allows)
• support for various operating systems
• compatibility with ADS4 data analysis software

 

Functionality

• optional display and keypad to enter e.g. wheel diameter, vehicle number or train driver number

 

REDBOXflex

 

 

REDBOXflex recorder was designed in line with current CENELEC standards and is compatible with ETCS and ERTMS requirements. It is an "all-in-one" recorder, designed for both local and long-distance services.

 

Design/construction

• compact, 19" rack module housing
• optional expansion via additional modules (interfaces, buses, I/O expansion)

Data logging

• adjustable data logging resolution
• internal memory card storage (the data remains in the recorder after readout, the oldest data is overwritten when memory is full)
• travel data readout via USB memory
• reconstruction of travel parameters at any resolution

 

Operation

• access via standard web browser (also remotely – if the vehicle's onboard network allows)
• support for various operating systems
• compatibility with ADS4 data analysis software

 

Safety and functionality

• ETCS/ERTMS compatibility
• optional GPS
• protected memory support (available separately)

 

 

1.2. SENSOR

 

Deuta-Werke sensors stand out from the competition thanks to

• very high resistance to extreme temperatures, mechanical damage and wear
• patented measurement algorithms making them suitable for most demanding solutions
• self-diagnostics providing real-time information on operation mode and sensor condition
• longevity achieved by maximum utilisation of contactless measurements

Deuta-WERKE offers three groups of sensors, based on different measurement principles.

 

Radar sensors

operate in a contactless manner, using the Doppler effect to measure the vehicles ground speed. Precise readout is done by a patented antenna circuit with a digital signal processor built into the unit.

 

Hall effect sensors

thanks to contactless operation they have minimum wear and extremely long life. Their small dimensions ensure significant space savings and possibility to use in hard-to-reach locations.

 

Axle-mounted sensors

are highly resistant to dirt and vibration and practically maintenance-free. They offer various resolutions (impulses per revolution), whose value is mechanically defined at the manufacturing stage. This mechanical "memory" of pulse numbers is a solid basis for reliable measurements.

 

 

1.3. Indicators

 

Similarly to sensors, Deuta-WERKE offers their indicating units in three product groups, based on:

• stepper motors
• electromagnetic coils
• digital displays

 

The sensors offer the following features:

• high resistance to operating conditions
• reliability expressed by high MTBF
• compliance with SIL2 requirements
• low operating costs throughout the life cycle
• backward compatibility with regard to form factor, way of installation and functionalities – ensuring appropriate device will be available even when the original is discontinued.

 

 

In design and development of subsequent versions of the fuel measurement system, Aksel has used microprocessor and computer technologies, improving the measurement accuracy by introducing calculation algorithms and appropriate corrections of characteristics (e.g. fuel density vs temperature, linearisation of measurement characteristics). Fuel level measurement is made by hydrostatic probes placed in the fuel tank. The probes measure the pressure of the fuel column, which is translated into fuel volume based on the calibration curve for the given tank. The probe includes a temperature sensor, which means that all non-linearities are mathematically compensated by the probe. Appropriate calibration is required – actual litres are translated into calculated litres based on temperature during calibration. The pressure measured by the probe is read out in digital form and filtered (several hundred samples per several seconds), and then recalculated based on calibration into instantaneous value of fuel volume. That value is then displayed.

 

 

Instantaneous values are additionally filtered, so fuel level fluctuations when starting and stopping the vehicle are eliminated. Only now this data is recorded as fuel level and used for refuelling detection and fuel consumption. The fuel level measurement system records the data in non-volatile memory. Each point in history has its distance and fuel consumption.

 

Such fuel consumption is the volume of fuel used from the beginning of recording history, determined based on fuel level analysis with refuelling taken into account. In order to determine the fuel consumption over the last 100 kms, the system searches the history for data 100 kms back. If that point is a stop, (i.e. there is more points with the same mileage), then the oldest entry from that stop is taken for calculations (the fuel burnt during the stop will also be included).

Fuel consumption per 100 kms is calculated as a difference between the historical and the current consumption.

The device has a built-in GSM modem, allowing for remote:

• firmware upgrade for the system cabinet, displays and device setup
• device diagnostics
• transmission of online data recorded from other devices (vehicle controller).

 

InterLoco is a common platform developed by AKSEL, combining on-board equipment with utility and management software.

 

This platform is dedicated for all rail applications - both trains and trams. In the design process we took into account the needs of all operators, regardless of their size, number of branch offices, or number and type of vehicles used.

InterLoco system includes:

• Deuta-WERKE equipment
• AkselARJ Electronic Timetable
• ASP-2000 Fuel Monitoring System
• ConSel Dispatcher Software

 

These solutions are mutually complementary. The Client may select any of them individually, several or all of them. They can also request each of them to be custom-configured to fit their needs.

Depending on the system design and its complexity (the number and type of installed sensors and devices the system communicates with), the software supports tracking of the following parameters:

• Vehicle location
• Current data from the vehicle: fuel level in the tank, driver data and other (electrical power of the main generator, water and oil temperature, diesel engine revs, etc.)
• Analysis of historical data: route covered, operational data – fuel consumption, work time, detection of irregularities in the fuel consumption.

 

 

Advantages

The advantages of our proprietary ConSEL software include:

• Full system mobility - the client/dispatcher computer can be any station with internet access, allowing for tracking of locomotives from any location via any web browser
• Full flexibility and possibility for automatic software update
• Resistance to local equipment failure
• Resistance to user errors
• No need for maintenance and operation of a local network on the client's side due to GPS location system
• No need to store archived data in case of a web version (the data is stored by the software vendor)
• Possibility for real-time reporting of defects and faults in vehicles via predefined alerts, including:

- fuel loss at stops
- fuel loss with vehicle in motion
- logging errors (no card)
- malfunctions of equipment such as fuel probe, RFID card reader, GPS antenna or backup battery

• Possibility to refresh data on the numerical reports page
• Flexibility and openness of software - possibility to add extra functions to suit client's needs.

 

Aksel ARJ Electronic Timetable is an application dedicated for train drivers. It allows for dynamic display of timetable during vehicle movement.

 

 

Timetable visualisation is done using on-board terminals installed in the train driver's console.

 

The train driver has the possibility to select train number or order number from the terminal. After the selection the terminal displays the relevant timetable.

 

The data on the implementation status of the current commercial timetable, typically presented on the operator panels in the driver's cabin, can also be combined with the Passenger Information System, so they can be displayed in real time on display panels installed in the vehicle.

 

The data presented by the system is automatically downloaded from the railway infrastructure operator's servers using SKRJ WebService, to precisely reflect updated train timetables.

 

In addition, the train driver has the possibility to display changes to the Permanent Warning List. In order for this functionality to be operational, the Operator has to make relevant documents available.

 

The most important features of Aksel ARJ software:

• the application is installed by us on robust and reliable Deuta-Werke terminals
• the timetable data is downloaded in real time from the railway network operator's servers - the data is checked every hour, so all timetable changes, special orders, test runs etc. are available in our timetable in real time, immediately after they appear on SKRJ servers.  
• Aksel ARJ electronic timetable reflects current job tickets, but in addition it: 

- automatically tracks the current vehicle location and marks it in the timetable - GPS location by default, but switchable to tracking of travel time, distance travelled (from vehicle wheels) or full manual control.
- displays real time left to departure and possible real-time delays - specific values are calculated based on comparing the current GPS position, current time, and planned departure time; moreover, if a train does not stop at a certain station and it passes through with a delay, such an information is also displayed in the train driver's console terminal.
- the application continuously informs about permanent warnings and changes thereto – based on the current position it displays the relevant section of the timetable and all the warnings related to the line section on which the train is moving (only if the Client provides the warning list in digital format).

• The software interoperates with Passenger Information Systems, also with regard to their control, so:
  - the need for separate logging of the train driver to the Passenger Information System is eliminated, meaning that after logging on to the Aksel ARJ timetable and selecting the relevant train number, the information is immediately sent to the Passenger Information System and displayed on the information panels (the control of display content is done at all stations along the entire route, according to the timetable).
  - based on the data about the timetable it can determine the train and station types, meaning that the system knows on which stations the train stops according to the timetable and changes the messages on the PIS boards.
  - allows for review of the actual display board status – by receiving feedback messages from the Passenger Information System and displaying them on our terminals.
  - can control special messages – voice and text
• the software supports various login methods:

- from the screen – using PIN (e.g. train driver ID and unique password)
- from an additional terminal – using a specially configured access card

• after logging in, the best matching trains (commercial timetables) are prompted based on the current time and vehicle's geographical location.