FRAUSCHER Edition 05 - April 2010
NEWS
One step ahead of failures FDS diagnostics system by Frauscher
SENSOR TECHNOLOGY
www.frauscher.com
Preface An important task of railway infrastructure companies is the maintenance and fault clearance of their signaling systems. These activities are not only the basis for secure, reliable and punctual
railway services, but also the source of a significant percentage of cost and expenditure. Therefore, it has been our goal for many years to continuously increase maintenance efficiency and reduce the cost of maintenance and fault clearance. An important component for such a strategy is the use of a modern diagnostics system such as the new FDS diagnostics system by Frauscher. In terms of objectives and results our development was focused on three areas: 1. Overall reduction of maintenance cost
Even axle counting systems by Frauscher do require cyclic maintenance activities, although to a rather limited extent. Due to FDS, part of them can be performed comfortably‚ “from the office chair“ (e.g. measurement of wheel sensor current, etc.), thereby allowing reduction of regular on-site presence to a minimum. 2. Preventive maintenance (prior to failures) By means of preventive alarm messages (e.g. loosened wheel sensor mounting unit) it is possible to be warned in advance of a possible fault.
One step ahead of failures FDS diagnostics system by Frauscher Design and configuration The FDS diagnostics system by Frauscher is tailored to the size of each installation. The application can be quickly and easily expanded. The components to be diagnosed (ACB axle counting board, IMC evaluation board, etc.) are connected to a bus transfer entity (BTE) using a RJ45 patch cable (figures 1 and 2). The main task of the BTE is to ensure galvanic isolation and the absence of reactive effects on the axle counting system. Upon request this unit, which can handle up to four components to be diagnosed, will edit the diagnostics data received for the logging processor (LOG processor). The processor collects all diagnostics data and edits it for the „outside world“. Autonomous data management depending on installation requirements is ensured. Interfaces and compatibility The Ethernet interface used represents a conventional and multi-purpose link, which affords, by means of a Web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc.) the retrieval of all current and stored diagnostic and statistical 2
Figure 1: Webbased user interface offering numerous navigation and display options
data. Furthermore, there is the possibility to access diagnostics data via GSM/GPRS etc. Notifications by SMS or e-mail complete the interface portfolio. The diagnostics and statistics data acquired may additionally be edited and sent as XML telegrams to higher-ranking diagnostic management systems (e.g. ESDIS in Austria).
User interface After input of the LOG processor‘s address (IP, URL) into a Web browser the FDS login screen is displayed. This screen affords a three-level user access with different access rights. The language option can also be selected in this screen. The following overview provides a general summary regarding status and
3. Fast and efficient fault clearance Inductive wheel sensors and processor controlled axle counting systems are subject to a number of technical and operational influences, which may result in the most diverse fault messages. FDS provides maintenance staff that is not locally stationed, with the possibility of remote diagnostics. This affords the analysis of the fault (error code, fault environment) and the effective fault downtime can be considerably shortened by target-oriented fault clearance. Thanks to the application of futureproof interfaces, the system will also
be capable to be integrated into future generations of axle counting systems by Frauscher.
public is scheduled at the InnoTrans Trade Fair in Berlin. Delivery is to start in the second half of 2010.
The FDS diagnostics system by Frau-
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scher is currently under trial. Comprehensive field tests in various countries as well as pilot projects have proven its suitability for daily use and its cost reduction benefits for customers. In future, the FDS diagnostics system
Michael Thiel
by Frauscher will be offered as a client-specific configurable component and deployed in combination with the ACS2000 Axle Counting System by Frauscher. Official presentation to the
present conditions of the overall system. Next to the components implemented, status information is provided by a semaphore function. Additional information such as alarm and fault codes or the effective number of axles counted in is also displayed. A mouse-click on the relevant component opens further and more detailed information. In case of a waiting alarm or fault message, the detailed fault code or fault information of the corresponding component is displayed. This display affords valuable information of the possible cause of the alarm or fault and simultaneously provides hints/clues for its clearance. Unlimited diagnostics down to field level is thus possible.
Figure 2: Interfaces of the FDS diagnostics system by Frauscher
current, time) and present wheel sensor current (in mA).
files can be imported and comfortably evaluated, e.g. under Excel. Contact data
Diagnostic and statistical data Each component linked to FDS provides abundant data, displayed on the user interface.
Among others, the following information is edited for statistical processing: Number of counting head traversings, counting section occupancy detections, board adjustment, fault status and resets.
For instance:
Data management and storage
Component (type, software, serial number), component status (number of axles, alarm or error code), last axle counter reading (number of axles, time), last traversing (time), last reset (time), last component adjustment (adjustment
The universal *.txt format (text file) provides a compatible basis for the data management and storage of FDS data. Every day a compressed working file is generated, which can be downloaded and processed locally. The daily *.txt
Based on this primary information, the maintenance staff can optimize its preparations (necessary spares, operative failure, maintenance problems, etc.).
If you have comments, improvement proposals or any question about this topic, please contact: DI (FH) Gerhard Grundnig phone +43 (0) 7711 / 2920 - 9217 email gerhard.grundnig@frauscher.com
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FRAUSCHER-SHORT-NOTES
„MNR – Interference Spectrum Measuring Instrument“ on trial at ÖBB In close cooperation with ÖBB (Austrian Railways) we have developed an „Interference Spectrum Measuring instrument“ (MNR – Magnetic Noise Receiver). The measuring sensor of the MNR is mounted on the inner face of the rail by means of a rail claw, similar to Frauscher‘s wheel sensors. Simple, both temporary and permanent measuring operations can thus be performed easily and without complications. As a result the MNR provides an indication about the frequency range found at the rail, caused by vehicles of various types and other sources.
New Company: Frauscher Group to form UK Subsidiary For years Frauscher Group has been active in the UK in the field of axle counting and wheel detection. This successful business development is now set to be pursued and expanded with a long-term engagement in the UK. To that effect Frauscher UK Ltd was formed at Yeovil, Somerset, effective as of April 1, 2010. Frauscher UK Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary of Frauscher Holding GmbH and will be responsible for Sales, After-Sales Service and Technical Support in the areas of railways, subways and light rail systems. Mr. Richard Colman has been appointed Managing Director.
Product Enhancement of Wheel Sensor RSR123
Figure 3: Interference Spectrum Measuring Instrument MNR (magnetic noise receiver)
First Metro Project in China CRSC Chengdu awarded Frauscher GmbH with the order to supply the track vacancy detection equipment for the Yizhuangxian line of Beijing metro. The object of the Contract is the supply of an ACS2000 axle counting system using RSR180 wheel sensors. CRSC Chengdu is responsible for final assembly, installation and commissioning. The equipment had already been delivered in December 2009. Installation is set to start in June 2010. Commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2010.
Frauscher‘s wheel sensor RSR123 has been successfully used since 2007 in many European countries: as a component in axle counting systems, level-crossings, decentralized electric points (EOW) or hot box detection devices (HOA). Based on results and continuous monitoring of this longterm deployment in regular operations, it has been possible, within the scope of product enhancement, to further improve the availability of this innovative high tech wheel sensor, resulting in additional customer benefits. Frauscher is planning to apply for certification of the revised version of the RSR123 wheel sensor in April 2010 and to start delivery to clients in the second half of 2010.
Innotrans 2010, 21. - 24.09.2010, Berlin Do come and visit us: Pavilion 26, Booth 230 We invite you to personally assess the high quality and optimum functionality of the innovative products by Frauscher!
many would be an ideal possibility to check out our latest innovations in the areas of axle detection, axle counting and diagnostics. Our team of experts will be at your disposal for personal and specific advice. We are looking forward to your visit!
The International Trade Fair „Innotrans“ scheduled for September 2010 in Ger-
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