GNSS and SBAS (EGNOS) is amongst the “game-changing” technologies for future digital and automated rail operations, as acknowledged on the longer-term perspective for the evolution of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and in the adopted report on railway safety and signalling. CLUG 2.0 continues the activity started in the CLUG project with the same main objective of demonstrating an on-board GNSS+EGNOS-based multi-sensor fusion architecture (Localisation On-Board - LOC-OB System) enabling absolute safe train positioning and navigation whilst also transforming the way of train localisation is done today.
The main objectives of the CLUG 2.0 project are listed below:
• To review, consolidate and complete the high-level user needs and system requirements for the LOC-OB System including Start of Mission and Track Selectivity.
• To consolidate the safe localisation system architecture and to further prototype the functions of the CLUG LOC-OB.
• To consolidate by live demonstration the readiness of the CLUG LOC-OB multi-sensor fusion algorithms.
• To perform an analysis of Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety (RAMS) on the consolidated functional architecture of the system.
The primary impact of the LOC-OB System is to diminish reliance on trackside equipment for train localization, such as Eurobalises and other prevalent devices currently used in the railway industry for train tracking.The LOC-OB system facilitates a transition towards moving block operations (ERTMS/ETCS Level 3). When paired with onboard train integrity devices, it paves the way for a future railway system devoid of track circuits and axle counting systems, significantly contributing to waste reduction. Following this, CLUG 2.0 fosters an interoperable, sustainable, and eco-friendly mobility system, significantly reducing the transportation sector’s environmental impact. Its integration with advanced traffic management and automated train control allows for notable energy savings, thereby aiding in climate change mitigation and greenhouse gas reduction.
The CLUG 2.0 activity will continue in Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking with a main goal of capitalizing the work performed in CLUG 2.0 to demonstrate a complete CLUG LOC-OB prototype demonstration in the frame of the Innovation Pillar of the ERJU program.