Project description
Egotistical trains take Europe's rail system into the future
Over 25 years ago, the European Train Control System was developed to accommodate cross-border rail traffic mobility via a single signalling system based on the century-old practice of using fixed infrastructure along the tracks (track-centric signalling) to determine the position and speed of the trains. The next generation is so-called train-centric signalling, where the separation between trains will be governed by their speeds and braking distances (moving blocks) rather than by geographical blocks. This approach will increase capacity and reduce infrastructure costs. The EU-funded MOVINGRAIL project is supporting this transition with a multidimensional analysis framework and the assessment of the operational, technological and business considerations of train-centric signalling.
Objective
Train-centric signalling systems represent the most promising technology for increasing railway capacity and reducing railway life-cycle costs. These systems include Moving Block signalling which enables trains running at absolute braking distance, and Virtual Coupling that even aims at running at relative braking distance with train sets virtually coupled into a convoy. MOVINGRAIL aims at the further development of train-centric signalling systems by introducing and applying a multidimensional analysis framework to assess train-centric signalling from the operational, technological and business perspectives. This is applied to Moving Block and Virtual Coupling at different levels, highlighting the differences to traditional fixed block signalling.
For Moving Block signalling, state-of-the-art formal methods for train operation modelling are used to assess and improve Moving Block Operational and Engineering Rules for safe and efficient train separation. In addition, strategies and methods are developed for testing Moving Block technology, and an extensible simulation architecture is defined for automated testing that minimizes the amount of on-site testing.
For Virtual Coupling, formal methods and simulators are applied to assess and recommend radio-based communication architectures, including train-to-train communication. This also includes an evaluation and comparison of the state-of-the-art of automated functions and communication architectures from Automated Vehicle technology, including platooning. The market potential of Virtual Coupling is analyzed by defining scenarios and applying a SWOT analysis for the various railway market segments. Simulation models of railway operations are used in addition to expert opinions of key stakeholders to feed a multi-criteria cost-effectiveness analysis. The research eventually results in an application roadmap and business risk analysis for the implementation of the Virtual Coupling concept to the different markets.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.3.4. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.3.4.8.2. - Innovation Programme 2: Advanced traffic management and control systems
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
RIA - Research and Innovation action
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-S2RJU-2018
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2628 CN DELFT
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.