Intelligent rail infrastructure pilot predicts preventative maintenance

Hitachi Rail and its subsidiary, Perpetuum, have been awarded a contract by Network Rail to develop the first real-time digital solution that monitors and predicts sections of track that affect ride quality and require maintenance.

The trial, which “brings track and train together digitally” could pave the way for a smart mobility system that reduces passenger disruption and maintenance costs, while improving safety.

Monitoring equipment is currently being installed on trains across Scotland’s networks including the North Clyde Line, The Borders, and Fife Circle.  It follows successful trials of Perpetuum’s ride quality monitoring technology on the West Coast main line in 2019.

At present, locations of ‘rough ride’ are reported by drivers, followed by manual inspection by maintenance crews walking on the track. Safety alerts result in weeks of speed restrictions, lengthening journey times for passengers and resulting in reduced timetables. 

For Network Rail, the ability to identify fix tracks early will improve reliability and minimise disruption. For operators, poor track ride quality can affect train performance. The data collected can help identify trains that are more prone to poor ride quality over certain types of tracks. This in turn can help identify where preventative maintenance can take place on train to maintain passenger comfort.

Perpetuum’s solution uses gyroscopes and accelerometers placed either in the carriages or on the wheels of trains in passenger service. Thanks to energy-harvesting technology they require no extra wiring or power sources.

Currently the technology can identify the onset of warping or changes to the track and the ability to identify and fix this before it causes passenger disruption means it can be a preventative countermeasure. And by applying digital analytical tools, Perpetuum can build a picture of areas that are at risk.

David Lister, Safety, Engineering & Sustainability Director, ScotRail said, “The performance and reliability of our trains is always a top priority which requires both reliable trains and reliable track infrastructure so it’s great to see Hitachi Rail and Perpetuum developing this innovative digital technology to monitor and then predict which sections of track need maintenance using technology fitted to our passenger trains.

“Anything that can increase comfort for our customers by making their journeys smoother, while reducing the need for unplanned downtime for stretches of track is to be welcomed and is a tangible example of train and track working together to provide a safe, efficient and reliable railway.”