PERformance-based Formal modelling and Optimal tRaffic Management for movING-block RAILway signalling

Project Information

PERFORMINGRAIL

Grant agreement ID: 101015416

DOI

10.3030/101015416

Project closed

EC signature date 9 December 2020

Start date 1 December 2020

End date 30 June 2023

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport

Total cost

€ 1 335 358,75

EU contribution

€ 1 335 358,75

Coordinated by

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - PERFORMINGRAIL (PERformance-based Formal modelling and Optimal tRaffic Management for movING-block RAILway signalling)

Reporting period: 2022-06-01 to 2023-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Moving Block System (MBS) is the state-of-the-art train control system for railway operation control. The main principle of MBS is to improve the train localisation precision through advanced train localisation technologies, thus trains could be positioned with the accuracy of meters rather than blocks which is about 1km long each divided on railway line. With such accuracy of train localisation, the safe headway of trains between each other could be significantly reduced, thus the railway capacity could be largely improved through MBS.

MBS has been developed successfully and validated for metros all over the world, however due to the network and operation complexity, MBS is still under development worldwide for mainline railways.
To support the development of MBS across Europe and also the activities in Shift2Rail Innovation Programme 2, the EU Shift2Rail project PERFORMINGRAIL implemented a holistic system approach to address the open challenges for the Moving Block concept in terms of safe operational principles and specifications, reliable TIM technologies, high-accuracy train localisation and optimised moving-block traffic management algorithms.

The main objectives of PERFORMINGRAIL are to contribute with:

• Enhanced railways Fault Detection and Exclusion algorithms for addressing local feared events;
• Data fusion algorithms suitable for railway safe applications;
• EGNSS monitoring techniques based on carrier phase measurement and multi-frequency technology;
• To help promote the use of formal methods as a means to check safety of advanced railway operation (in accordance with IP2 TD2.7); and
• To provide Independent Assessment Report on the proposed technologies and solutions.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project focused on verifying existing specifications for moving-block signalling, while developing formal models, algorithms and proof of concepts to test and validate an integrated future moving-block system architecture to provide safe and effective operational performances. Overall, the project contributed with:

• Enhanced Moving-Block Specifications: Developed formal models, algorithms, and proof of concepts to enhance moving-block signalling specifications.
• Hazards Identification: Classified system and local hazards for train localisation through literature review and sensitivity analysis.
• Fail-Safe Train Localisation: Developed fail-safe techniques using RAIM algorithms and data fusion from various sources.
• Innovative Traffic Management: Designed an architecture integrating safety constraints with traffic rescheduling algorithms.
• Testing Platform: Implemented a simulation-based platform for thorough testing and validation.
• Proof-of-Concept and Validation: Demonstrated safe and efficient operations, validated by an independent railway Notified Body.
• System Configuration Recommendations: Outlined effective configurations for safe, efficient moving-block operations meeting Railway Minimum Operational Performance Standards.

Throughout the duration of the PERFORMINGRAIL project, a comprehensive set of dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities were meticulously executed to ensure that the project's results and outputs reached a diverse range of stakeholders. Key achievements in this domain include:

• Dissemination Platform: Established a platform for seamless information sharing among consortium members and external stakeholders.
• Targeted Stakeholder Engagement: Delivered project results and insights consistently to identified stakeholders.
• Effective Strategies: Implemented well-planned dissemination strategies using various channels.
• External Communication: Utilized platforms like Twitter and ResearchGate for wider outreach.
• Academic Contribution: Published conference papers, presented at events, and produced peer-reviewed journal papers to reach a broad audience in the railway technology field.

These activities collectively ensured that the knowledge, innovations, and achievements of the PERFORMINGRAIL project were effectively communicated and shared with a wide range of stakeholders, fostering collaboration and furthering the project's impact in the field of railway technology.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Beyond the activities planned in PERFORMINGRAIL, the project has generated positive impacts on the following aspects:

• Facilitating Synergy in Railway Projects: PERFORMINGRAIL has catalyzed collaboration, knowledge exchange, and synergy within the railway industry, benefiting projects like X2Rail-3 and X2Rail-5.
• Global Knowledge Dissemination: The project's influence extends worldwide, promoting best practices and innovative solutions for railway safety and efficiency.
• Economic Advancement: It enhances operational efficiency, safety, and reliability, reducing costs and creating economic development opportunities in rail-dependent regions.
• Enhanced Railway Safety: PERFORMINGRAIL's contributions improve train control systems' reliability and play a vital role in accident prevention.

In conclusion, PERFORMINGRAIL transcends its research objectives to positively impact the rail industry and society, leaving a lasting legacy of safety, efficiency, and economic vitality."

Conclusions:
In summary, PERFORMINGRAIL significantly advanced moving-block signalling and train localisation. The project enhanced existing specifications, categorised hazards, and developed fail-safe train localisation through formal models and innovative proof-of-concepts. It introduced an integrated traffic management system for safety and service rescheduling. Rigorous testing was conducted using a simulation-based platform and validated by an independent railway Notified Body. The project's recommendations promote safe, efficient, and cost-effective moving-block railway operations, aligning with Railway Minimum Operational Performance Standards. PERFORMINGRAIL has laid the foundation for a safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced future in the railway industry.

PERFORMINGRAIL framework