Integrated Automation (Communication & CBTC)

This paper describes how the ever growing demand for automation is among the fundamental forces driving technology change in the rail transit industry. Communications based train control (CBTC) is an example of train control automation that utilizes high-resolution train location determination, independent of track circuits; continuous high capacity, bi-directional train-to-wayside data communications; and trainborne and wayside processors capable of implementing vital functions. This automation helps overcome some limitations of traditional train protection systems such as poor resolution of locating trains, flexibility of recovery from failure conditions. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is another example of mechanical, electrical and plumbing automation. The SCADA provides centralized control, monitoring and supervision of elevators, escalators, pumps, lightings and supporting communication subsystems. As the demand for automation of vital and non-vital systems grow, the challenge of interoperability of these systems in the rail system environment increases due to the need for these technologies to function as an integrated system. This paper addresses and examines the demand drivers for automation across the rail transit industry first and then it examines current technologies that address some of these demands, such as CBTC, and SCADA. The paper further examines future technologies that may be able to address several expanding requirements for automation in an integrated manner. These include power, emergency procedures, communication sub-systems, SCADA, operational management and the latest generation of CBTC systems. It also examines innovative practices that can alleviate the burdens caused by the existence of several stand-alone automated systems in a rail system. Finally, the paper addresses issues, considerations and pros and cons of each system as a stand-alone and in an integrated environment in the context of security, and operations management.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/1931594260
• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Transportation Association

  1666 K Street, NW, Suite 1100
  Washington, DC  United States  20006
• Authors:
  • Kone, Lacina
• Conference:
  • 2007 Rail Conference
  • Location: Toronto , Canada
  • Date: 2007-6-3 to 2007-6-6
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 6p
• Monograph Title: 2007 Proceedings Rail Conference

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic train location; Emergency management; Emergency transportation; Integrated systems; Positive train control; Rail transit; Railroad transportation; Subsystems
• Uncontrolled Terms: Railroad operations; Supervisory control and data acquisition
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01051589
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 1931594260
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 18 2007 1:44PM