Periodic Reporting for period 3 - CONNECTA-3 (CONtributing to Shift2Rail's NExt generation of high Capable and safe TCMS PhAse 3)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2023-11-30
The main objective of CONNECTA-3 project was the escalation of TRL (up to TRL7) of main technologies identified as key enablers for Next Generation TCMS. During the lifetime of the CONNECTA-3 project the consortium deployed a series of NG-TCMS components elevating them to high TRL6/7 and ensured their interoperability. Furthermore, the different technologies, such as FDF, DbD, T2G, ETBN, CS, WLCN and wireless Consist Networks, among others, were prepared and tested in relevant laboratory environments as well as in urban and regional real train demonstrators (field tests in trains from Euskotren and DB). This tests demonstrated the maturity of the NG-TCMS components and validated their functionalities in the field. Furthermore, new functionalities for NG-TCMS were described and technical advancements in the integration of the technologies with the interface of other on-board systems developed.
Regarding collaboration, the standardisation work was carried on closely with the IEC61375 series WG43 to ensure its uptake and fostering the domain in the industry.
In conclusion, the advancements introduced through the CONNECTA-3 project and its series demonstrated the pivotal role of NG-TCMS in shaping the trajectory of the forthcoming railway system. The evolving paradigm envisions a railway system characterized by heightened autonomy, seamless connectivity, enhanced environmental sustainability, optimized cost-effectiveness, and elevated safety standards.
Regarding collaboration, the standardisation work was carried on closely with the IEC61375 series WG43 to ensure its uptake and fostering the domain in the industry.
In conclusion, the advancements introduced through the CONNECTA-3 project and its series demonstrated the pivotal role of NG-TCMS in shaping the trajectory of the forthcoming railway system. The evolving paradigm envisions a railway system characterized by heightened autonomy, seamless connectivity, enhanced environmental sustainability, optimized cost-effectiveness, and elevated safety standards.
In order to fulfil this objective in the project the following objectives has been achieved along the project:
1. Definition of the process to follow for the scalation of TRL7 and definition of the conformance tests for each technology.
2. Development of TRL7 solutions belonging to CONNECTA-3 and the integration of the TRL7 network equipment delivered by Safe4Rail-3 project.
3. Integration of Network Equipment delivered by Safe4Rail-3 project based on NG-TCN.
4. Validation in relevant laboratory and field tests NG-TCMS technologies.
It is worth noting that CONNECTA-3 has launched a standardization plan within the IEC WG43 for the updated of IEC 61375 series of standard to incorporate NG-TCMS technologies, being the standardization a fundamental step for the future exploitation of these technologies in the railway sector.
1. Definition of the process to follow for the scalation of TRL7 and definition of the conformance tests for each technology.
2. Development of TRL7 solutions belonging to CONNECTA-3 and the integration of the TRL7 network equipment delivered by Safe4Rail-3 project.
3. Integration of Network Equipment delivered by Safe4Rail-3 project based on NG-TCN.
4. Validation in relevant laboratory and field tests NG-TCMS technologies.
It is worth noting that CONNECTA-3 has launched a standardization plan within the IEC WG43 for the updated of IEC 61375 series of standard to incorporate NG-TCMS technologies, being the standardization a fundamental step for the future exploitation of these technologies in the railway sector.
CONNECTA-3 project has ended with high TRL prototypes validated in relevant laboratory environments and field tests. Different members of the project have already defined exploitation plans for the outcome of this project which include the dissemination in standardization bodies of the validated technologies, as well as the incorporation of the lessons learned in the development of the market products.