This project is divided into 7 work packages (WP). The aim of the first workpackage was to collect all the relevant information needed to install a wayside measuring system on a track. The research was focused on the European regulations but also on target countries. Moreover, this equipment is based on lasers technologies among other elements, specific regulation about these technologies was identified and analysed. Danobat, as the main project coordinator, and Euskotren acting as the final user of the equipment, identified key points to build a wayside reliable system regardless of environmental conditions. The demonstrator has been installed in one of the rail lines operated by Euskotren and managed by ETS_RFV as infrastructure manager.
The aim of WP-2 is to guarantee an environmental independence of the system by using a Peltier-cooling/heating-system to stabilize the temperature inside the enclosure of the system. To calculate the cooling-/heating-capacity and the performance of the device a thermal simulation was programmed. The calculation includes a lot of different range of values and factors. Moreover, a dehumidifier section is included. The custom-made Peltier-Cells were manufactured and they are validated in the laboratory and on the track. The results show a great product. Dr. Neuman is thinking to patent the dehumidifier section.
The objective of WP-3 is to develop a new generation of light laser system. The market pushes to obtain higher density of power and there are two ways to achieve that. The module operating at 808nm and higher peak power was selected. The selected laser diode allows operation within the device ratings with a positive impact on device longevity. Moreover, the use of a custom-made Peltier-Cell within the laser diode allows it to be maintained at a more consistent temperature which improves wavelength and power stability. This item has been tested in laboratory and in the real conditions and its behaviour is as expected. Prophotonix is already selling in its catalogue this new reference.
WP-4 has been planned to develop a user-friendly software suite for monitoring, calibrating and analysing a wheel profile measuring systems. Danobat identified as a problem the use of complex software for calibration as well as data exploitation for wheel wear predictability. Self-diagnosis tools for monitoring the status of the main components of the wheel profile system are part of the software modules developed under WheelWatcher project.
During the second period of this project, WP5 was completed with the successful installation of the demonstrator. One of the aims of the new measuring system is not to block the track when is installed and it was achieved. Another challenge of this project was the speed of the train and it is not a problem to detect the trains. After the installation, auto-diagnosis tool works properly and it is possible to detect problems, for example with the temperature. As far, all components are working well.
In WP6 the market trends, business opportunities and competitor’s technologies has been analysed to define a proper strategy to introduce both the product (train’s wheel monitoring and control device) and the components (ad-hoc thermoelectric cell and new light-system) to the market
The multinational stakeholders have been identified and contacted. Some agreements have been reached so that the global market approach is possible: Suppliers, Commercialisation Channels, Operators, Rolling Stock Manufacturers, Co-opetitors, Railway Industry. Within this WP Danobat has designed and constructed a Test Bench for demonstration of Wheelwatcher technologies with potential customers. Thanks to manufacture of this Test Bench DANOBAT has shown its current results to wide range of potential customers. The Communication activities within WheelWatcher were intended to depict the intentions, key messages, targeted audiences, roles and responsibilities, the channels of communication and success indicators to achieve the main goals indicated within the DoA and beyond them.
