WP1: In the context of Wagon Design & Automatic Coupling, various tests with the core market wagon (CMW) have been performed. The suitability of different existent bogie or running gear solutions for the extended market wagon were assessed. Critical running gear components have been tested. Two large scale wind-tunnel models have been developed and manufactured. The integration of the Telematics and Electrification into CMW, CBM have been covered. The automatic coupler was tested in Sweden and within the DAC4EU project. All deliverables were submitted and approved. WP is finalized. The project expects to see the dissemination of the results very soon.
In the area of telematics and electrification (WP2) the system analysis has been completed and various architectures were defined. The subsystems were developed and tested (e.g. the connectivity of the various subsystems among each other). The integration with other technologies and systems developed in IP5 has been analyzed, the demonstration plan (to be implemented in later projects) has been finalized. Not all results were achieved, and maturity of some of the results are not inline with the DoA. However, one must consider that the solutions will be further developed within the following projects, where demonstrations are planned. WP2 has accepted a reduction of funding.
For the topic Improved methods for timetable planning (WP3), various activities were performed: 1) a gap analysis between daily timetable and operational control/on time performance, 2) definition of the scope of and the specifications for the demonstrator. The demonstrator for advanced real time network management was implemented and deemed useful. WP is finalized.
WP4 aligned the requirement specifications for C-DAS with the ATO subsets. Furthermore, 2 new functions were defined: Farsight and Rearview. These functions were developed, tested and assessed during a long period of time: They showed a slight improvement in energy efficiency and a good driver acceptance. WP is finalized. Apparently, the solution is being adopted officially by DB Cargo.
The train preparation (freight automation, WP5) list was finalized and the 3 most relevant functions/activities were selected. For these functions, concepts and functional requirement specifications were written and the development was started. In June 2021 the activities were stopped due to failing in securing the vehicles for the demonstration, due to resource (funding and manpower) shortages. the GA was amended. The D5.1 was re-submitted and approved. WP is finalized.
WP6 (Freight propulsion) has focused on the development of the full electric last mile propulsion system. All subsystems were integrated into the cubicle ready for integration into the locomotive. The system was successfully tested in the Powerlab (test with complete (original) traction chain including motors), charging and discharging the battery following real case load cycles. Unfortunately, due to technical issues with the innovative SiC based DC/DC converter the locomotive design authority decided not to allow the integration into the locomotive. Consequently, final demonstration could not be performed and WP6 has accepted a reduction of funding. Alstom continues to develop both the batteries and the DC/DC converter, with the goal to introduce it soon into their locomotives.
For the long train (WP7) the requirements, use cases and new functionalities for the prototype were defined. The safety analysis and the demonstrator done by S2R M2O were reviewed, the assessment for test campaign was done with independent assessors. The technology was developed and installed on 3 locomotives. The demonstration test runs with (1) a heavy freight train and three locomotives distributed in the consist and (2) a train with 835m length successfully implemented and all deliverables submitted and approved (2021). WP is finalized. To our knowledge, DBC continues to develop the product outside of S2R, expected to be introduced in commercial service soon.
The activity on CBM for diesel locos on oil degradation (WP8) focused on optimizing and refining the algorithms by laboratory experiments. The impacts of the various liquids were determined. The sensor was developed, and a functional test was performed. Finally, a field test on 3 locomotives was performed.
