Building a community of railway scientific researchers and academia for ERJU and enabling a network of PhDs (academia teaming with industry)

Informazioni relative al progetto

Academics4Rail

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101121842

DOI

10.3030/101121842

Data della firma CE 30 Giugno 2023

Data di avvio 1 Settembre 2023

Data di completamento 28 Febbraio 2027

Finanziato da

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Costo totale

Nessun dato

Contributo UE

€ 1 807 237,50

Coordinato da

EURNEX e. V.
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Academics4Rail (Building a community of railway scientific researchers and academia for ERJU and enabling a network of PhDs (academia teaming with industry))

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-09-01 al 2025-02-28

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

The Academics4Rail (Ac4R) project, aligned with the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (ERJU), aims to advance an integrated, sustainable European railway network. Key goals include fostering a scientific community to share knowledge on rail innovation, aligning with EU’s Green Deal by enhancing mobility, reducing environmental impact, and improving rail efficiency. With industry-academic collaboration, the project addresses critical issues such as aerodynamics, EMC, predictive maintenance, additive manufacturing, digital communications, and driving assistance. Social sciences contribute by considering the social impacts of technology, ensuring inclusivity and safety.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

Scientific Community Building (WPs 1–3): Established a European scientific network, mapped key themes, and created a KPI framework to evaluate project impacts, aligned with environmental and social objectives.
PhD Research Programs (WPs 4–9):
PhD1: Developed aerodynamic models to reduce energy use and noise in freight transport.
PhD2: Created EMC models for rail electrification, ensuring interoperability.
PhD3: Innovated wheel re-profiling using additive manufacturing to extend lifespan and safety.
PhD4: Investigated wireless communication for virtual coupling, enhancing rail capacity.
PhD5: Developed predictive maintenance tools to optimize rail asset management.
PhD6: Explored AI-driven driving support for safe, semi-autonomous operations.
These activities yielded models, algorithms, and tools tackling rail industry challenges, contributing to asset longevity, safety, and environmental goals.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

Technological Innovations: Each PhD program developed unique tools that advance sustainability, interoperability, and efficiency in rail.
Environmental Impact: Reduced emissions and noise in freight rail, supporting EU climate goals.
Economic Impact: Predictive maintenance and wheel re-profiling offer significant cost savings, improving competitiveness.
Further Uptake Needs: Expanded research, pilot demonstrations, supportive regulations, and international collaboration are crucial for successful adoption of these innovations.