Abstract
(Englisch)
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The ESCARV project has two main strategic objectives:
1. to achieve progress in the resolution of the various electrical compatibility problems in the railway system by the use of computer models (a classical research task)
2. to find methods and work procedures between the railway industry (rolling stock, signalling, power supply) and the railway infrastructure owners and operators (traditionally 'the railways') for dealing with electrical system compatibility problems and solutions (more a pre-standard task with many cross-cultural aspects).
The partners involved are the major suppliers (Adtranz, Siemens, ANSALDOBREDA, Firema), two railways (FS, SBB), a total of four German and Italian universities, research institutes of ABB and DaimlerChrysler and small consultancy firms (Sciro, ENOTRAC).
ENOTRAC AG has been given a systems engineering role at the project level and the deputy function for the project manager (co-ordinator) of Adtranz in Sweden. ENOTRAC is also leading two of the five sub-projects:
Ø ENOTRAC AG (Switzerland) was leading the work package dealing with signalling compatibility
Ø ENOTRAC UK was responsible for the 'Methods and Tools' work package.
In the first year (1998), considerable effort has been put into the start of the project, including team building, co-ordination and agreement of all research activities for the first half of the project. ENOTRAC has contributed to the surveys of signalling systems and applicable laws, interference limits and standards, and has compiled the requirement specification for signalling models. Support was given to the researchers of the universities by supplying information, experience and measured results from previous 'real life' projects.
The highlights of the second year (1999) were clearly the two large field test campaigns: in May 99 on the SBB network between Zurich and Bonstetten - Wettswil for 15kV/16.7Hz, in June and July 99 on the 3kV DC network of FS between Chiusi and Castiglion del Lago. ENOTRAC AG was co-ordinating both campaigns for the whole project, in close co-operation with the two railways involved. The field tests were seen as a complete success by all ESCARV partners, not only because of the scientific and technical results obtained, but also thanks to the excellent team spirit. SBB and FS have made a huge effort and demonstrated flexibility and competence. Apart from the co-ordinating role, ENOTRAC has also actively participated in the performance of both field test campaigns and has written the 'umbrella' test report for the AC tests, forming the bracket around the 10 different sub-reports.
At the mid-term assessment in Sestri-Levante in October 1999, the project was re-focussed on the exploitation of the results. Task forces were formed for
Ø Preparation of guidelines and contributions to European Standards
Ø Promotion of a 'ESC UserGroup' at European level, and of a 'ESC InfoBank' as a tool for the dissemination of the ESCARV results via the Internet.
Furthermore, the ESCARV tools and models were tested in 'real world problems' on an AC electrified railway (SBB) on a DC electrified railway (FS).
In the third and last year (2000) of the ESCARV project, the work was concentrating on the two task forces and the two practical applications of models and tools (AC application and DC application). ENOTRAC played an active role in the task force for the ESC UserGroup and ESC InfoBank, and in the task force for contributions to European Standards. ENOTRAC has developed the database application and the Internet user interface. A proposal was made for accompanying measures to run the ESC UserGroup and the ESC InfoBank for a trial period of two years after the end of the ESCARV project. The proposal has been accepted by the EC. The project is expected to start in April 2001. ENOTRAC is one of four main contractors. Other partners are Adtranz as co-ordinator, AEIF (the joint working group for interoperability formed by UIC and UNIFE), and the University of Genoa, Italy. In the standardisation task force, ENOTRAC helped to establish the contacts with the relevant standardisation working groups. This included the participation at two meetings of CENELEC Technical Committee 9X as representative of ESCARV. Contributions in the form of guidelines were made for three standards: EN50238 (compatibility with train detection systems), EN50121 (EMC, radiated interference), and for a new standard on compatibility between vehicles and power supply. This new standard is being prepared by CENELEC Working Group C11. ENOTRAC has actively participated in the elaboration of the process to achieve and demonstrate compatibility.
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