Periodic Reporting for period 3 - X2Rail-3 (Advanced Signalling, Automation and Communication System (IP2 and IP5) – Prototyping the future by means of capacity increase, autonomy and flexible communication)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2021-01-01 do 2021-11-30
X2RAIL-3 is the third S2R Members’ project, implementing the second innovation pillar (IP2) “Advanced Traffic Management & Control Systems” Innovation Pillar. It aims to continue the research and development of key technologies within the following Technology Demonstrators (TDs):
Adaptable Communications for all Railways (TD2.1 / WP3) – The objective is to demonstrate, that a new Communication System will be able to overcome the shortcomings in current ETCS and CBTC communications and deliver an adaptable communications system usable for train control applications in all market segments.
Moving Block (TD 2.3 / WP4) – the scope is to enhance the specification delivered in the framework of the X2Rail-1 project, and to develop technical demonstrators for suitable railways applications.
Zero On-Site Testing (TD 2.6 / WP5) – In the context of the simulation and testing framework integrating new functionalities enhancing the existing architecture are defined in order to finally define the general architecture. In addition specific prototypes are going to be performed.
Virtually Coupled Train Sets (TD 2.8 / WP6 & WP7) – The action aims to perform a comprehensive study focusing on the new concept of “Virtual coupling”, which foresees that trains will be able to run much closer to one another and to dynamically modify their own composition on the move.
Cyber Security (TD 2.11 / WP8 & WP9) – In the context of Cyber Security, the main objectives are to define a “Cyber-Security” System dedicated to railway and to contribute to a “Security-by-Design” standard applicable to railway applications.
ATO over ETCS pilot test for freight demonstrator (TD 5.6 / WP10) – In the context of freight autonomous train operation, the main objective is to perform field testing with specific focus on freight operational scenarios to get early feedback from the field on potential improvement necessities.
Adaptable Communications for all Railways (TD2.1 / WP3) – The objective is to demonstrate, that a new Communication System will be able to overcome the shortcomings in current ETCS and CBTC communications and deliver an adaptable communications system usable for train control applications in all market segments.
Moving Block (TD 2.3 / WP4) – the scope is to enhance the specification delivered in the framework of the X2Rail-1 project, and to develop technical demonstrators for suitable railways applications.
Zero On-Site Testing (TD 2.6 / WP5) – In the context of the simulation and testing framework integrating new functionalities enhancing the existing architecture are defined in order to finally define the general architecture. In addition specific prototypes are going to be performed.
Virtually Coupled Train Sets (TD 2.8 / WP6 & WP7) – The action aims to perform a comprehensive study focusing on the new concept of “Virtual coupling”, which foresees that trains will be able to run much closer to one another and to dynamically modify their own composition on the move.
Cyber Security (TD 2.11 / WP8 & WP9) – In the context of Cyber Security, the main objectives are to define a “Cyber-Security” System dedicated to railway and to contribute to a “Security-by-Design” standard applicable to railway applications.
ATO over ETCS pilot test for freight demonstrator (TD 5.6 / WP10) – In the context of freight autonomous train operation, the main objective is to perform field testing with specific focus on freight operational scenarios to get early feedback from the field on potential improvement necessities.
All technical Work Packages have been started and concluded as planned in the Grant Agreement. The COVID-19 pandemic added unforeseen and additional risk. This risk was managed in continuous alignment between the partners
The main activities in the last reporting period were focusing on TD2.8 Virtually Coupled Train Sets and TD2.11 Cybersecurity. In addition the overall architecture description was finalized as well as the Glossary defining the specific terms.
The main results achieved so far are:
Adaptable Communications for all Railways (TD2.1 / WP3) – The technical demonstrators (Main Line, Urban/Suburban and Regional) were tested in lab environment and proved by the public Lab Test Report Furthermore the field test strategy was agreed. The antenna specification was finalized for the adaptable Communication System
Moving Block (TD 2.3 / WP4) – The specification was finalized as basis to implement the four Moving Block Technical Demonstrators. The demonstrators were completed with tests performed in the relevant lab environment. In addition, the change request with respect to RCA and Hybrid L3 alignment has been analysed . This work will be continued in X2Rail-5.
Zero On-Site Testing (TD 2.6/WP5) – The results are including the implementation of the demonstrators in 3 different area for testing. For the implementation of the prototypes the necessary FFFIS interface specifications have been defined and agreed and can pave the way for future standardization. Test cases have been identified using common data model verified by means of formal verification.
Virtually Coupled Train Sets (TD 2.8/WP6 & WP7) –The work has been addressing:
• The operational scenarios have then been assessed as fully covering the reference profiles of mission coming from the Energy Baseline (FINE-1 project) as well as from IMPACT-1 project;
• Feasibility analysis in terms of enabler and obstacles assessment and migrations strategy definition;
• System Requirement specification and Architecture.
• Impact Analysis and Business Model
Cyber Security (TD 2.11/WP8 & WP9) – Main results achieved are definition of generic cybersecurity architecture, investigation and selection of protocols, definition of protection profiles, risk assessment methods, security evaluation of X2Rail demonstrators, Railway CSIRT feasibility study
ATO over ETCS pilot test for freight demonstrator (TD 5.6/WP10) – In close collaboration with IP5 ARCC project the different ATO-OB solutions were successfully installed on the train in Mannheim and static tests were performed. The connection with the ATO-TS was tested in the lab using remote connection showing the interconnectivity of all the systems to the ATO-TS. Finally the prepared and installed Loco was moved to Switzerland in order to perform the field tests for ATO over ETCS GoA2 on the line between Sion and Sierre using a full freight train set.
TD2.1 TD2.3 TD2.6 and TD2.11 will be continued in X2Rail-5.
The main activities in the last reporting period were focusing on TD2.8 Virtually Coupled Train Sets and TD2.11 Cybersecurity. In addition the overall architecture description was finalized as well as the Glossary defining the specific terms.
The main results achieved so far are:
Adaptable Communications for all Railways (TD2.1 / WP3) – The technical demonstrators (Main Line, Urban/Suburban and Regional) were tested in lab environment and proved by the public Lab Test Report Furthermore the field test strategy was agreed. The antenna specification was finalized for the adaptable Communication System
Moving Block (TD 2.3 / WP4) – The specification was finalized as basis to implement the four Moving Block Technical Demonstrators. The demonstrators were completed with tests performed in the relevant lab environment. In addition, the change request with respect to RCA and Hybrid L3 alignment has been analysed . This work will be continued in X2Rail-5.
Zero On-Site Testing (TD 2.6/WP5) – The results are including the implementation of the demonstrators in 3 different area for testing. For the implementation of the prototypes the necessary FFFIS interface specifications have been defined and agreed and can pave the way for future standardization. Test cases have been identified using common data model verified by means of formal verification.
Virtually Coupled Train Sets (TD 2.8/WP6 & WP7) –The work has been addressing:
• The operational scenarios have then been assessed as fully covering the reference profiles of mission coming from the Energy Baseline (FINE-1 project) as well as from IMPACT-1 project;
• Feasibility analysis in terms of enabler and obstacles assessment and migrations strategy definition;
• System Requirement specification and Architecture.
• Impact Analysis and Business Model
Cyber Security (TD 2.11/WP8 & WP9) – Main results achieved are definition of generic cybersecurity architecture, investigation and selection of protocols, definition of protection profiles, risk assessment methods, security evaluation of X2Rail demonstrators, Railway CSIRT feasibility study
ATO over ETCS pilot test for freight demonstrator (TD 5.6/WP10) – In close collaboration with IP5 ARCC project the different ATO-OB solutions were successfully installed on the train in Mannheim and static tests were performed. The connection with the ATO-TS was tested in the lab using remote connection showing the interconnectivity of all the systems to the ATO-TS. Finally the prepared and installed Loco was moved to Switzerland in order to perform the field tests for ATO over ETCS GoA2 on the line between Sion and Sierre using a full freight train set.
TD2.1 TD2.3 TD2.6 and TD2.11 will be continued in X2Rail-5.
Adaptable Communications for all Railways
• New adaptable communication system supports concurrent application usage, flexible routing capabilities, traffic flow prioritization, seamless inter-RAT and inter-network handover and ubiquitous redundancy will act as communication backbone for the digitalization of railways. This includes the integration of new radio technology innovation with advanced radio features combined with software defined networks.
Moving Block
• Moving Block operation, allowing to make best use of the track capacity, by operating trains with dynamically controlled movement authorities
• In Moving Block operation, the concept is to decouple the infrastructure from train parameters, leaving the train responsible for stopping within the Movement Authority granted. This permits greater flexibility in the case of mixed types of trains and a wide range of rail applications focusing specifically on the different market segments, as well as providing cost savings via the removal of trackside equipment.
Zero On-Site Testing
• New FFFIS specification allowing the connection of distributed labs as well as coordination of test cases from a central management point
• Human Machine interfaces in order to automate the test process and to perform the job of a saboteur automatically.
• Common Data Structure and formal verification of the data to ease the testing
Virtually Coupled Train Sets
• A new concept of “Virtual coupling” will be provided. This will allow trains to run much closer to one another (within their absolute or relative braking distance).
• The new approach will foresee that trains will be able to dynamically modify their own composition on the move (virtual coupling/uncoupling of train convoys).
• The system will maintain at least the same level of safety currently provided inside ETCS
Cyber Security
• Standardised cyber security system that could be applied in an uniform way to all railway sectors (signalling, rolling-stock and infrastructure).
• Protection provided through strong, sustained and standardised approaches for cyber security risk assessment, cyber risk prevention, detection and response as well as “security-by-design” implementation using generic “security-by-design” rules
ATO over ETCS pilot test for freight demonstrator
• First feedback from the field on the applicability and validity of the generic GoA2 specification also for the freight environment as well as interoperability and interchangeability of different suppliers.
• New adaptable communication system supports concurrent application usage, flexible routing capabilities, traffic flow prioritization, seamless inter-RAT and inter-network handover and ubiquitous redundancy will act as communication backbone for the digitalization of railways. This includes the integration of new radio technology innovation with advanced radio features combined with software defined networks.
Moving Block
• Moving Block operation, allowing to make best use of the track capacity, by operating trains with dynamically controlled movement authorities
• In Moving Block operation, the concept is to decouple the infrastructure from train parameters, leaving the train responsible for stopping within the Movement Authority granted. This permits greater flexibility in the case of mixed types of trains and a wide range of rail applications focusing specifically on the different market segments, as well as providing cost savings via the removal of trackside equipment.
Zero On-Site Testing
• New FFFIS specification allowing the connection of distributed labs as well as coordination of test cases from a central management point
• Human Machine interfaces in order to automate the test process and to perform the job of a saboteur automatically.
• Common Data Structure and formal verification of the data to ease the testing
Virtually Coupled Train Sets
• A new concept of “Virtual coupling” will be provided. This will allow trains to run much closer to one another (within their absolute or relative braking distance).
• The new approach will foresee that trains will be able to dynamically modify their own composition on the move (virtual coupling/uncoupling of train convoys).
• The system will maintain at least the same level of safety currently provided inside ETCS
Cyber Security
• Standardised cyber security system that could be applied in an uniform way to all railway sectors (signalling, rolling-stock and infrastructure).
• Protection provided through strong, sustained and standardised approaches for cyber security risk assessment, cyber risk prevention, detection and response as well as “security-by-design” implementation using generic “security-by-design” rules
ATO over ETCS pilot test for freight demonstrator
• First feedback from the field on the applicability and validity of the generic GoA2 specification also for the freight environment as well as interoperability and interchangeability of different suppliers.