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U e a k K n r ’ R t s r t R a s I IN p n ’s g e n e in g o xpand r a v l a t s io ’ n e p H ro ub u n E E n v in olv ra ing rt T Sie ma mens Mobility’s S

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UKRRIN. CONTENTS UKRRIN 16 months since it was formed, Welcome 14UKRRIN is now a formidable n the past 12 months the UK rail industry skills, knowledge and experience across force in rail research and product has taken demonstrable steps forward in these partnerships to generate new products, development. Iterms of addressing the key challenges processes and solutions. facing us. Decarbonisation, digitalisation, There are two key areas of concern for BCRRE collaboration and innovation are all familiar UKRRIN when it comes to supporting and CLIVE ROBERTS and ALEX themes, but how we go about turning boosting innovation. 18BURROWS outline the progress discussion into action and tangible outcomes Firstly, turning ideas into tangible being made at the Birmingham Centre for is the most important part. solutions. Not all great ideas will end up Rail Research and Education. This time last year we were launching the delivering value as a commercially realisable UK Rail Research and Innovation Network solution for many different reasons, but a RSSB (UKRRIN), a ground-breaking partnership number of good ideas do get lost for reasons New Chairman BARBARA between industry and academia. This that could be prevented. Our focus here is 10MOORHOUSE on how RSSB year we are delighted to show the progress on the innovation process, and working is supporting members to meet the that UKRRIN has catalysed, with new with innovators to develop practical, realistic challenges of CP6 and industry reform. industry members to UKRRIN committing solutions that answer a need. Great ideas do investment into UK rail R&D and innovation not always survive first impact with reality. Porterbrook activities. Once again, UKRRIN will have Secondly, reducing the barriers that stop ANVESH PRASAD tells RAIL a strong presence at Rail Live and the four those tangible solutions delivering value to 16about Porterbrook’s new UKRRIN Centres of Excellence (Digital the railway and its customers. Our focus here platform for demonstrating new concepts Systems; Infrastructure; Rolling Stock; is on navigating the complexity of the sector in train technology. Testing) will all be showcasing a range of and enabling market entry for innovative current projects along with the capabilities solutions. Great ideas can often survive Talgo that we can offer to work on innovation that first impact with reality, but then fail How the sheer power and projects collaboratively with industry to overcome the following impact with the 18capacity of cloud computing is partners. market. opening up a new world of predictive I am particularly pleased to be able to There is widespread commitment to maintenance. highlight the UKRRIN project between the the principle that we need to see more University of Birmingham and Porterbrook collaboration and innovation across the rail Cooling the Tube that is providing one of the headlines at Rail industry. It is also uncontroversial to suggest CALVIN BARROWS proposes Live this year - HydroFLEX, the UK’s first that digitalisation and decarbonisation 20an innovative solution to the full-sized hydrogen train. are two of the major challenges facing the age-old problem of overheating metro This started following a conversation at industry. The rapid success and development systems. Rail Live last year, leading to us signing a of UKRRIN has come as a response to these co-operation agreement at InnoTrans in challenges, and the need to address them. Siemens Mobility Berlin last September, and nine months In this Innovation special issue, and at PAUL BAINES tells RAIL how on from that point we have developed a Rail Live, you will see a lot more about these 22the award-winning Class 700 demonstrator unit (799001) to showcase this challenges and examples of how they are has already spawned new and improved technology. being addressed. We hope you find this both versions. This is only one of a number of innovation informative and interesting, and we look projects that UKRRIN has kick-started forward to working with you to innovate the by initiating new partnerships between railway of the future. EDITORIAL academia and industry. These collaborations Managing Editor: Nigel Harris are stimulating ideas and guiding them ALEX BURROWS Assistant Editor: Richard Clinnick through the innovation process, using the Managing Director, BCRRE Contributing Writer: Paul Stephen Production Editor: Mike Wright Art Editor: Charles Wrigley Sub-Editor: Richard Hampson Managing Director: Tim Lucas

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FP_RAIL_3SQAdvertSid3833012.pdf 02.27.2019 11:57 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE SPECIAL REPORT Produced by Revolutionising innovation in rail Only 16 months since it was formed, UKRRIN is now a formidable force in rail research and products and services

he UK Rail and Research Excellence, and to introduce new members Innovation Network (UKRRIN) that have joined since UKRRIN’s launch in formed one of the star attractions February 2018. Tat last year’s Rail Live show, held Visitors will also have the opportunity to at Quinton Rail Technology Centre at Long meet the centre leads and a wide range of Marston in June 2018. UKRRIN members to better understand Despite being just four months old, the rail how the network fits together and to discuss industry and university partnership brought whether membership would potentially suit Porterbrook signs up to UKRRIN. From left: Jo a sizeable offering, including the UK’s first their own organisations. Binstead, Head of Innovation at Siemens and hydrogen fuel cell locomotive. Clive Roberts, Professor of Railway UKRRIN Steering Group Chairman; Rupert More than 6,000 visitors had the Systems at UKRRIN’s lead university partner Brennan-Brown, Head of Communication and opportunity to ride the 10¼ inch gauge train BCRRE says: “UKRRIN was designed to Engagement at Porterbrook; and Clive Roberts, Hydrogen Hero, and to meet the team from provide powerful collaboration between Professor of Railway Systems at UKRRIN’s lead university partner BCRRE. UKRRIN. the University of Birmingham’s Centre for individual companies and academia, because Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) there was an issue that, although we design that built it. a lot of good stuff in this country, it takes the Rail Research UK Association by linking conducted in its four main research areas Rail Live 2019 (June 19-20) promises to be a long time to get it out there on the rail 16 companies from the rail sector with eight We’re rapidly growing in industry partners of future railway operations and control, even bigger and better for UKRRIN, which network. leading UK universities. data integration and cybersecurity, smart says it will build on last year’s presence to “We’re now 16 months old, and we want Those eight universities have joined and people are knocking on our door rather monitoring and autonomous systems, and demonstrate how it is already delivering a to increase productivity even further by not forces and combined their resources to introducing innovations (see pages 44-45). step-change in research, development and just working with the larger companies that form three Centres of Excellence in Digital than having to be persuaded. Projects recently completed include a innovation. are already members of UKRRIN, but with Systems (BCRRE), Rolling Stock (University Clive Roberts, Professor of Railway Systems, BCRRE knowledge transfer partnership between It will be exhibiting case studies and live SMEs so that it benefits companies of all of Huddersfield, Newcastle University BCRRE and Abtus which resulted in the demonstrations within the Innovation Zone sizes.” and Loughborough University) and Control Period 6 (Apr 2019-Mar 2024). growing in industry partners and people development of the ABT7000 ‘Max’ Cyclic at Rail Live to showcase the work of network UKRRIN was founded in February 2018 Infrastructure (University of Southampton, Given this integral role, it’s of little are knocking on our door rather than Top Measurement Device. 82 of the track members at UKRRIN’s four Centres of to take forward and expand on the work of University of Nottingham, Loughborough surprise that UKRRIN has already having to be persuaded. They are mostly big inspection trolleys have now been sold to University, University of Sheffield and successfully expanded from its original companies but we also have the mechanisms Network Rail as a result of this successful Heriot-Watt University). membership. in place to welcome SMEs through BCRRE’s collaboration. A fourth Centre of Excellence has In November 2018 it was announced at integration with the Rail Alliance (see pages Meanwhile, BCRRE will also be providing been created to focus on testing, which UKRRIN’s inaugural annual conference 44-45) and the Rail Industry Association’s on-track demonstrations of Britain’s first incorporates facilities at Network Rail’s in London that rolling stock company membership of UKRRIN. full-sized hydrogen train. Rail Innovation & Development Centres at Porterbrook has joined its ranks while, in “It is a very good news story for the The ‘HydroFLEX’ demonstrator has been Melton Mowbray (Leicestershire) and High April, both Furrer and Frey and Worldline industry to be doing something so different, converted from a Class 319 electric multiple Marnham (Nottinghamshire), and those of were also welcomed to the network. and the fact that the industry has come unit, in a partnership with Porterbrook that other key partners Transport for London and Jo Binstead, Head of Innovation at together over UKRRIN helps to make rail was signed just nine months ago at the the Quinton Rail Technology Centre. Siemens and UKRRIN Steering Group more investable to government, which is Innotrans trade fair in Berlin in September UKRRIN’s overarching mission is to adopt Chairman says: “I am very pleased with something we all rely on.” 2018. a more joined-up approach to enhance the progress that UKRRIN has made, and Pride of place at Rail Live will be exhibits No full-size hydrogen-powered train has UK rail’s research and development and our focus this year is very much on how we and demonstrations from UKRRIN’s yet run in the UK, but Alstom’s ‘Coradia innovation capabilities, as also enshrined in engage further in order to continue to grow. Centres of Excellence, which are currently iLint’ entered service in Germany last year. the Rail Supply Group’s Fast Track to Future “This isn’t a closed shop, but an active benefiting from more than £90m of Alstom and Eversholt Rail plan to have a productivity and growth strategy (published network in which you have to participate investment in developing their research Class 321 ‘Breeze’ unit powered by hydrogen in February 2016), the Rail Technical Strategy and the companies that are joining are really facilities, comprising £28.1m awarded by in UK traffic from 2021. (RTS, published in 2012), and the RTS buying into that and bringing something to the Higher Education Funding Council for Having edged out Alstom in the race to Capability Delivery Plan (developed in 2017). the party. England and £64m from industry. All sites produce a working prototype, BCRRE Senior The network will also form a key “I’m thrilled that UKRRIN is once again are due to be completed by 2020. Lecturer Dr Stuart Hillmansen says it is a component in supporting the government’s involved in Rail Live, where we can show Leading the delegation from the CoE in prime example of how the UKRRIN tie-up A team of researchers from BCRRE exhibited the UK’s only hydrogen-powered locomotive, Hydrogen Rail Sector Deal and UK industrial strategy, just how much universities and industry are Digital Systems will be Professor Roberts between industry and academia is already Hero, at last year’s Rail Live at Quinton Rail Technology Centre at Long Marston in June 2018. A as well as in delivering the Network Rail-led able to achieve by working together.” from BCRRE, who will be on hand to helping to accelerate the rollout of new standard gauge version will feature at this year’s show at QRTC on June 19-20. JACK BOSKETT/RAIL. research and innovation programme in Professor Roberts adds: “We’re rapidly explain in more detail the work that is being technologies.

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He says: “This would not have It’s amazing how quickly UKRRIN Northern 144010 calls at Gainsborough Central on March 10 2018 with the 1114 Cleethorpes-Sheffield local stopping happened without BCRRE and the service. These trains are notorious for their poor ride quality, and could one day be replaced by the ‘FORESEE’ vehicle university being the glue to hold the currently being developed by UKRRIN university partner The University of Huddersfield.JOHN STRETTON. project together. The team behind us is has taken off and how the industry has phenomenal, and I don’t think anybody else could have got to this stage now on their got behind us to make it the sole own. “We have a very close partnership with collaborative body representing Porterbrook and hopefully this will set a good model for UKRRIN in future, by academia and industry in rail. setting aggressive deadlines to get things Professor Simon Iwnicki, University of Huddersfield done. The industry will be looking very carefully at this and we look forward to the an update on its work to support the ‘Four The ‘FORESEE’ vehicle uses active next challenge [of building more] using the Cs’ of the Rail Technical Strategy (cost, suspension to steer the wheelsets and world-leading expertise we have developed.” carbon, customer, capacity). vertical suspension instead of bogies, and BCRRE Director Alex Burrows adds: Successful projects include the University of Huddersfield is now looking for “It’s great news that the HydroFLEX construction of a prototype two-axle an investor to take the demonstrator vehicle will be running. It’s been a very effective ‘FORESEE’ railway vehicle that is currently to the next stage of production. partnership with Porterbrook which has had being tested at speeds of up to 200kph on A second project is the EU-funded the same mindset as us to exploit our shared the University of Huddersfield’s full-size Run2Rail programme to develop the next interest. roller rig. generation of running gear using novel “We’ve both dreamed big and focused Part-funded by RSSB (formerly known as materials and manufacturing methods. less on excuses, and to have made all this the Rail Safety and Standards Board), the A prototype will soon be built using possible in less than a year tells a compelling aim was to produce a low-cost low-energy aluminium and carbon fibre for small story of what is possible through close next generation vehicle to potentially replace components such as axle boxes. collaboration.” the unpopular Class 142 and ‘144’ ‘Pacer’ The CoE will also soon have a suite of explains: “This is a stunning new facility that programme. prospective customers to deliver their testing The CERS, led by the University of units that are currently being withdrawn new facilities, with £10m being invested in a will give us the capability to test 34 tonne Professor Powrie adds: “NR’s high output requirements. Huddersfield will also be present to provide across large parts of the UK. full-size motion platform to simulate service beams, and to test track on full-scale ballast piling system was getting down to only five A vital element of UKRRIN is the conditions and provide a high-fidelity using state of the art measurement and metres depth, when the foundations needed Coordinating Hub which sits at its core, reproduction of the environment experience loading instruments. to be 10m. This meant that NR had to drive supporting the network and its members. The by passengers and crew on a wide range of “We’re also installing a geotechnical two sections and weld them together, which Hub (chaired by RSSB) offers services in the rolling stock, from light rail vehicles to high- centrifuge which will, for example, enable is both time-consuming and drives up costs, five core areas. speed trains. us to test different models of pilings under so we were commissioned to see why this Nailah Fraser-Haynes (Senior Partnerships A new Hardware-in-the-Loop train cyclic (wind) loading and the effects of discrepancy had arisen. Manager, RSSB and Communications braking test facility is also being built as moisture movement and climate change on “The problem was that the profile of Lead, UKRRIN) says: “The UKRRIN Hub are two new rigs for pantograph testing, embankment soil. This way we can gather the soil is hard to find, and it can cost you team brings RSSB, RIA, Unipart Rail and including a test rig that can test the next data in a couple of days for something that as much to get a soil stiffness profile as others together to support the network and generation of pantographs at speeds of up to might take a century in the natural world by to install the piles. We ran tests at High maintain close contact with rail industry 400kph (about 249mph). speeding it up by a factor of 100. Marnham and showed that NR needed to experts, activities and interests. Our focus for This is due to be installed in February, and “A small-scale model in the lab won’t do return to the old [pre-high output] methods the coming period is very much on building the university will be running a competition anything as good at that because stresses which should make foundations more understanding across the UK and globally to choose a name. are too low in that environment, so to get affordable in the future.” of what UKRRIN has to offer, and why A new £46m National Infrastructure Laboratory (above) University of Huddersfield Professor around that we can simulate representative The University of Southampton has also interested parties should engage with the opened on the University of Southampton’s Bolderwood Simon Iwnicki says: “We’ve got a few behaviour in the centrifuge, which will produced a new guide for the industry on network. Innovation Campus at the end of May. Rail testing facilities projects bubbling away and we’ve taken a be the first in the UK to sit within an the effect of debris accumulation on river “Our second Annual Conference, taking include a large structures testing lab (below) and a strategic approach with our other university establishment that’s engaged in a lot of bridges. place on November 21, will provide a number 150G-tonne centrifuge. ROD ANDERSON/GRIMSHAWS. partners to build our capabilities so that we railway research.” Anderson explains: “It’s well known that of opportunities to do so and for us to hear have a completely rounded team. University of Southampton Rail Centre scour patterns and upstream water levels from industry and academics. We would like “It’s amazing how quickly UKRRIN has Coordinator Rod Anderson adds: “We will can affect structures, but how do we predict to understand how people would like to use taken off and how the industry has got also have a high-fidelity measurement kit for these effects? Our guide gives engineers an network facilities, what they are struggling behind us to make it the sole collaborative the large structures testing lab so that data- understanding they didn’t have before. with in terms of getting research ideas and body representing academia and industry rich imaging techniques can be integrated “Scour is well understood, but what isn’t innovations out on to the railways, and what in rail.” with advanced computational modelling. well understood by asset managers is the else they would like to know about UKRRIN UKRRIN’s CoE for Infrastructure will The combination of techniques into a single effect of debris floating downstream. This and future plans for the network.” ■ also be represented at Rail Live by its other integrated system is unique, internationally, guide is not an academic paper, but a guide ■ UKRRIN is very much open for business, partners - for example, Loughborough and will for the first time enable the for the practising engineer that is absolutely and welcomes approaches to join from all University and Universioty of Sheffield. assessment of interactions between material free online (or £6 for a physical copy).” interested organisations. To find out more, Academics will be on hand to talk about failure mechanisms and structural stiffness The future also looks bright for the UKRRIN will be exhibiting at Rail Live the University’s brand new National failures in a hitherto unattainable level of university with a number of enquiries having (Quinton Rail Technology Centre) on June Infrastructure Laboratory, which opened in physical realism.” been made by companies and organisations 19-20. Alternatively, visit www.ukrrin.org. May to complete the Bolderwood Innovation Representatives from the University of based in the UK, Africa and Europe to uk/about/. You can also contact UKRRIN’s Campus that has been built up over the last Southampton will be available to discuss a develop and test new types of infrastructure, coordinating hub ([email protected]) or two decades. range of projects conducted with industry such as sleeper types and larger bridge follow UKRRIN on Twitter @UKRRIN. This £46m facility contains a large over the last 12 months, including its beams. structures testing lab, geotechnical lab, work for Network Rail to improve its Last but not least, representatives from materials testing lab and a new geotechnical understanding of various difficulties it UKRRIN’s CoE in Testing will also be Further reading centrifuge that can induce 100G. encountered in creating foundations for attending Rail Live to discuss how these RAIL 837 - University Challenge Professor William Powrie of the University overhead line equipment during the early facilities can be accessed, and how it can RAIL 855 - Innovation Central RAIL 867 - The Innovation Game of Southampton’s engineering faculty stages of the Great Western electrification work collaboratively with current and

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HYDROFLEX Class 319 EMUs at Long Marston In September 2018 BCRRE entered into ready for conversion to ‘FLEX’ a Memorandum of Understanding with bi-mode or tri-mode trains. In rolling stock company Porterbrook to 2018 Porterbrook and BCRRE Innovation incubator create the UK’s first standard gauge set themselves the target of hydrogen-powered train. launching ‘HydroFLEX’ in 018 was a big year for the Named the HydroFlex, BCRRE was time for Rail Live 2019. Birmingham Centre for Railway ALEX BURROWS and CLIVE ROBERTS asked to convert a Porterbrook-owned JACK BOSKETT/RAIL. Research and Education (BCRRE). outline the rapid progress being made Class 319, owing to its unrivalled 2 Already the largest institution of technical and research expertise in this its kind in Europe, it cemented its reputation type of traction. as a global thought leader sitting at the very at the Birmingham Centre for Railway BCRRE earned many plaudits when heart of the international research landscape it exhibited 10¼in-gauge locomotive within railways when, in February 2018, it Research and Education (BCRRE) Hydrogen Hero at last year’s Rail Live officially became the lead university partner event at the Quinton Rail Technical in the UK Rail Research and Innovation technologies. leading the design of a cutting edge Digital Centre, Long Marston in June 2018. Network (UKRRIN). Co-located with the University’s new Twin, a fully functional digital replica of the The full-size HydroFLEX demonstrator Although one of eight universities School of Engineering Centre, its meeting railway that is intended to drive innovation (which will also operate on 25kV that form the four Centres of Excellence and seminar rooms, light and heavy by allowing high-level analysis and the overhead and 750V DC third-rail routes) within the newly established network (see laboratories, exhibition and catering spaces, ability to see opportunities or problems is due to star at this year’s show, which pages 40-43), it was BCRRE that led the workshops and offices will be open to all before they occur in the real world. once again takes place at the QRTC on original bid for £28.1 million funding for UKRRIN members, as well as other industry Roberts says: “We’ve been beavering June 19-20. UKRRIN from the UK Research Partnership partners and project sponsors to facilitate away in the last year on projects such as Senior Lecturer in Railway Systems run around the test track at low speeds, electrified lines. Investment Fund. greater collaboration. HydroFLEX (see panel), and we’ve got many at BCREE Dr Stuart Hillmansen says: “I with the purpose being to showcase the “It was very pleasing from my point This has since been boosted by a further Professor Clive Roberts, Centre Lead at more in the pipeline. We’ve done lots of have to pinch myself at how fast we’ve main components including the hydrogen of view that we got so much interest £64m from UKRRIN’s 16 industry supply BCRRE, says that in just the first year of work, for example, on how we fit into the managed to do this, as it was only at the fuel cell, control system and storage. in Hydrogen Hero. You can do a lot of chain founding members. UKRRIN, BCRRE has already been hard at National Digital Twin project and the Rail last Rail Live in June 2018 when this idea This is so we can demystify some of papers and theoretical studies but there’s BCRRE hosts the UKRRIN Centre of work to accelerate innovations in partnership Sector Data Platform. was conceived. this technology and show it as a viable nothing quite like getting something Excellence in Digital Systems and £16.4m with industry. “The Digital Twin is a big step for us. “The demonstrator will be available to alternative to diesel power on non- actually out there for people to see.” is subsequently being invested in a new This includes BCRRE’s contribution to the Rolls-Royce already does it for its jet engines 3,000m2 building on the University of Government’s Rail Sector Deal to extend its but focuses on components, whereas we Birmingham campus where solutions will plans for a Rail Industry Data Platform to are interested in the end-to-end journey. It be developed in areas such as cybersecurity, include the wider industry. will enable us to conduct tests in a system By networking, SMEs can develop skills, understanding data integration, smart monitoring and Professor Roberts, Dr John Easton and integration facility [rather than trackside] future train control. Dr Lei Chen are currently combining their which removes the risks in the application of of the industry, knowledge of innovation, funding This building is due to be opened next expertise to make the first full-release technology and the rest of the project. March and will feature new facilities version available from spring 2020, which “We don’t do enough of that in the rail opportunities and, ultimately, greater access to facilities that enable the entire UK rail network to will enable multiple datasets to be shared so industry and by doing it first we have the simulated, and where hardware-in-the-loop that problems can be viewed from several potential to be world leaders, as well as through BCRRE and UKRRIN. Alex Burrows, Director, BCRRE testing can take place for signalling, control different angles, rather than in isolation. deploying it on homegrown projects such as and traction systems, and communications Alongside the data platform, BCRRE is Digital Railway and HS2.” Despite not even being at the halfway of innovation, funding opportunities and, research and innovation projects and to stage, 2019 looks like it will no less ultimately, greater access to facilities through share best practice and transfer knowledge. An artist’s impression of the new 3,000m2 significant than 2018 with two recent BCRRE and UKRRIN. The RCSEE agreement, in particular, building due to open at the University of announcements demonstrating the scale of “UKRRIN is about leveraging interest focuses on increasing opportunities for Rail Birmingham in March 2020 to house UKRRIN’s BCRRE’s ambitions to extend its national and around the larger players, so the next step is Alliance and RCSEE members to grow and Centre of Excellence in Digital Systems. BCRRE. international reach. how to get SMEs through the door to share develop their businesses both in the UK and The first came in March when BCRRE in the benefits, and you are now seeing the in Serbia. announced its formal integration with the fruits of those labours in projects such as Burrows adds: “These agreements really Rail Alliance supply chain membership DIGI-RAIL.” mark the start of an exciting period of organisation. He adds: “We (BCRRE) can also work collaboration between the Universities The union has provided RA members with as a ‘virtual’ Tier 2 contractor to contract of Birmingham and Belgrade to increase access to BCRRE’s substantial technical, with large organisations like Network Rail railway research and education. We testing and human resources in order to or HS2, and then provide that SME base. also hope that this will bring significant help develop products and bring solutions to We will be bidding for work imminently in opportunities to our RA SME community market. that sort of consortium manager role, and in terms of exporting and growing their Meanwhile, access has also been given to also for international opportunities through business opportunities. programmes such as Rail Mentor and DIGI- RA’s membership of the European Cluster “Serbia and the wider region is an RAIL, which provides long-term funding to Initiative, and by joining forces with other emerging economy and its location within SMEs based in the West Midlands to develop clusters and organisations.” Europe with a developing rail network and digital products and services. The second key announcement was made supply chain make it an ideal region for us to BCRRE Director Alex Burrows explains: on May 8 when Burrows travelled to the SEE develop our activity.” ■ “RA has always existed to provide support to Mobility Fair in Belgrade, Serbia, to sign ■ Visit BCRRE’s exhibit at Rail Live (Quinton SMEs, so we’ve integrated with the specific co-operation agreements with the University Rail Technology Centre) on June 19-20. aim to create a cluster, and a means to of Belgrade Faculty of Transport and Traffic aggregate the power of individual parts of Engineering (FTTE) and the Rail Cluster for Further reading the community. South East Europe (RCSEE). RAIL 855: Fast track to the future “By networking, SMEs can develop skills, The agreements commit all partners to RAIL 872: Focused on the future of rail understanding of the industry, knowledge working together collaboratively on railway

8 9 Innovation Big interview Making an impact where it matters

Against this noisy and chaotic backdrop enhance its core offering to members while consultation with its members, that sets out Undaunted by the uncertainties posed to the sector by Brexit, a febrile political Moorhouse has an additional variable to also reducing its financial dependence on objectives in six strategic business areas that atmosphere and the potential outcomes of the Government’s ongoing Rail Review, new content with, albeit one that she can exercise membership levies and central funding from cover the full scope of RSSB’s products and more influence over. That is because RSSB the DfT. services. RSSB Chairman BARBARA MOORHOUSE reflects on her first six months in the role, and is in the midst of its own transformation To achieve this, the CEO had already done Considering the sheer scale of external to create a new settlement between itself much to strengthen its senior team, including and internal factors that accompany her tells PAUL STEPHEN about RSSB’s innovative agenda for change over the next five years and members that will help to clarify the appointment of former Deputy Chief chairmanship, it begs the obvious question its core functions and turn RSSB into a Inspector for Railways Johnny Schute OBE as of what exactly attracted Moorhouse to the SSB has sat at the very heart of the contractors, rolling stock companies and structure of the rail industry would be a key more proactive organisation, increasingly its first ever Chief Operating Officer in May position in the first place? rail sector’s innovation landscape suppliers. battleground between the two major parties, responsive to its members’ wants and needs. 2018 (RAIL 858). “Firstly, I like the rail sector,” she tells for more than 15 years. Established Chairing the board is former Department with bringing all passenger operations back By becoming a more customer-focused RSSB has also published a five-year RAIL. “I’ve touched on it various times Rin 2003 in the aftermath of the fatal for Transport (DfT) Director General Barbara into public ownership high on Labour’s business, and creating more commercial Strategic Business Plan for Control Period when I was a civil servant at the DfT, and crash at Ladbroke Grove, it has been tasked Moorhouse (see panel, page 50), who was agenda. opportunities, it is hoped that RSSB can 6 (April 2019-March 2024) following close I’ve always found it interesting given how with leading and facilitating industry-wide appointed in January following the end efforts to create a better performing, safer of predecessor Anna Bradley’s tenure in Govia Thameslink Railway 700129 (centre) forms the 0652 Littlehampton-Bedford on January 14 railway ever since. December 2018. as it approaches London Bridge, where it will transition from conventional to in-cab signalling Formally known as the Rail Safety As well as inheriting RSSB’s sizeable remit, before travelling through the Thameslink core. Supporting the continued rollout of Network Rail’s and Standards Board, the not-for-profit the beginning of Moorhouse’s term has been Digital Railway programme is a key objective in RSSB’s Strategic Business Plan. ROB FRANCE. company’s remit includes managing and made all the more challenging by coinciding developing Railway Group Standards with a moment of considerable change for on behalf of the industry, leading the the entire rail industry. development of long-term safety strategy, Looming large is the government’s root and supporting cross-industry groups that and branch Rail Review (led by Keith address major areas of safety risk. Williams), which was already well under Since 2012, it has also facilitated the way by the time of Moorhouse’s arrival, and implementation of the Rail Technical which is expected to make recommendations Strategy (RTS), which calls on industry to this autumn on the future structure of the find innovative technical solutions to address rail industry and the way passenger services the multiple challenges it collectively faces are delivered. over the next 30 years Although it is impossible to predict its RSSB provides technical support via its final outcome, the review has been billed to own research and development programme, deliver the biggest shake-up of the industry which allocates funding to proposals made since privatisation in the mid-1990s, with by industry. Meanwhile, RSSB also employs any reforms likely therefore to affect all RSSB more than 270 specialist staff covering a members, and perhaps even the ongoing role range of technical disciplines, including of the organisation itself. operations, engineering, information Then there is further uncertainty over technology and risk assessment. whether the current government will still Leading RSSB’s day-to-day activities is be in power to implement any subsequent its Chief Executive Mark Phillips, while reforms, as political disagreement governance, oversight, financial policy and over Brexit, the minority status of the strategic direction is provided by a board Conservative government, and the current comprising representation from all areas of leadership race to succeed Theresa May the rail industry. Board members are drawn as party leader and Prime Minister all from RSSB’s executive team with three threaten to precipitate the need for a snap non-industry non-exec directors and its 130+ General Election well ahead of the next one member companies, which include Network scheduled in 2022. Rail, train and freight operating companies, In that event, the future composition and The core objective is to make sure that as the industry changes, both in terms of structure and the technology being deployed, safety and performance doesn’t get lost. Barbara Moorhouse, Chairman, RSSB

10 11 Innovation Big interview

complicated it is, and the need for changes from a public policy perspective. Hanson 59104 passes through Redhill on April 10 working the 0923 Ardingly-Acton Yard empty bogie hoppers. RSSB “I also like the organisation of RSSB, seeks to become more responsive to all its rail industry which has a lot of technical expertise, and members throughout Control Period 6. ALEX DASI-SUTTON. a well-motivated group of people trying to do right by the sector. This is a relatively small organisation, but it has its fair share of people who genuinely want the railways to be better for all passengers, as well as managing a core of safety work. “Most of my previous positions have been in change agent roles, so even though I now sit as a Non-Executive Chairman, I like roles that have a degree of change in the organisation and reshaping.” Putting politics, Brexit and Westminster infighting to one-side, Moorhouse is keen to re-emphasise RSSB’s commitment to achieving its founding principles of improved safety and performance. With most of the factors governing future outcomes beyond her control, she says the functions and outputs of RSSB are simply too important to put in abeyance, and so a ‘business as usual’ attitude has rightly been adopted. She admits that it’s not always easy to cut through the background noise, but as a non-political organisation, it is of paramount importance that RSSB plays a leading role in supporting members adapt to any reforms, regardless of their nature or palatability. She adds: “I’ve worked in the health and water industries that were highly politicised, and although there are genuine political choices to be made, when everything you do is subject to political point scoring, it becomes unbelievably destructive. It’s not for me to make political points, but the railways are clearly subject to that - and it doesn’t help morale or recruitment, which is unhelpful to us as a society, economy, consumers, voters and service users. “The key thing for me is that the Review comes up with a good set of answers to some very difficult questions, and I hope that there will be non-politicised implementation. We need good answers deployed over time that have cross-party support. “There is no reason to pause anything [at RSSB] because most of the work we do needs to carry on even if there is a different [industry] shape in future. How people of structure and the technology being to make sure we stay with the programme and quality. which RSSB has been good at using, but not the focus of the organisation completely.” want us to deploy that in future is entirely a deployed, safety and performance doesn’t and make sure that’s maintained.” She adds: “It’s about using our technical necessarily good at selling, so we now need The Strategic Business Plan also matter for other people to decide, but we will get lost. Nobody intends for that to happen, Although familiar with the rail sector, expertise to best effect in the sector. That to put them together in the right synthesis demonstrates how RSSB intends to stay at continue doing what we do successfully and but it’s easy when there are lots of things Moorhouse has shrewdly spent most of sounds terribly tedious, but in reality most to take our skills to market in an appropriate the vanguard of research and development, making a well-respected contribution. happening and when there is a perception her first six months at RSSB in listening big public services need to run a damn sight way that’s complementary to our core and Moorhouse identifies Digital Railway “The core objective is to make sure that that our safety record is good. As things mode. But with that phase now over, her full more efficiently - and if more people paid purpose. and decarbonisation as two of the areas in as the industry changes, both in terms change we can’t be complacent and we need attentions must now turn to overseeing the attention to core values and running things “The example we always use is that if we’re particular where RSSB can demonstrate its implementation of RSSB’s Strategic Business well then it would take this country a long developing safety standards, supporting flair for collaborative problem solving. Plan, and the wholesale cultural change that way forward. training so people know how to use those But away from these headline priorities she The key thing for me is that the Review will be needed as the organisation adjusts to “Changing culture is one of the hardest standards is a natural extension of our also points to how the plan sets out ways in its new-found commercial appetite. things to do in an organisation, and so you role. There is a natural direction for those which RSSB will tackle a range of less well- comes up with a good set of answers to some Moorhouse is candid about the difficult have to take your hat off to people running a extensions and we just need to pick those publicised challenges, in crucial but perhaps balance that will need to be struck between large organisation like Network Rail, which directions and stick with them. less fashionable areas, such as safety, health very difficult questions, and I hope that there the need to grow alternative revenue streams is trying to enact big changes and puts ours “It’s about taking those skills to market and wellbeing. and become more profit orientated, while into the shade completely. where it’s entirely helpful and appropriate She says: “The idea that train systems will be non-politicised implementation. continuing to be a not-for-profit company “We’ve got a lot of technical experts with and adding constructively to what we’ve can be more digital is a whole different way Barbara Moorhouse, Chairman, RSSB with a fundamental mission around safety good knowledge in profound subjects, always been here to do, rather than changing of running the railway and there’s huge

12 13 RS0001_Umbrella2_RailMagazine_A4_AW_V1_Outlined.pdf 1 10/06/2019 12:35 adRocket

Innovation Big interview

Eurostar 170218 races through Dagenham with a service from St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord on February 17 2018. RSSB has pledged to support its members, responding to various uncertainties, including the nature of the UK’s future trading relationship with the European Union. PAUL SHANNON.

scope for efficiency and improvement, but we must keep an eye on the risk. With decarbonisation and the environment it typically involves people making difficult choices, and rail in that sense is an easy win. But we’ve got to maintain a consistency of approach and support and funding for these things if we’re going to innovate and make an impact. “Improved performance and customer service is going to be delivered by incremental operational changes and not by flashy headlines, and so I’m also very focused on our bread and butter and how we can use our skills to contribute to great change in the sector. What makes us very different from other parts of the sector is our reputation for being naturally collaborative, and if there’s an issue we’ll work on it. distinctive and helpful to the rail sector, so “There is that culture of the whole industry RSSB has a lot of I would be sorry if those things that RSSB working together and coming together in a does so well are lost completely.” much more proactive and coherent way to fix technical expertise, It would be easy for someone in C

the basics.” Moorhouse’s shoes to view the Rail Review M Despite the obvious pride that Moorhouse and a well-motivated as an existential exercise that threatens the has in her role, and her strong desire group of people trying immediate future of RSSB and its members, Y to see the Strategic Business Plan fully so it is refreshing to see this particular CM implemented, she has adopted an extremely industry leader entering into the full spirit of pragmatic and surprisingly non-partisan to do right by the the Review, and placing the interests of the MY

view on how RSSB should emerge in the wider industry ahead of her own. CY post-Rail Review landscape. sector. With so much hunger among those Instead of stubbornly defending the status Barbara Moorhouse, that operate and use Britain’s railways to CMY quo, she appears more concerned that the Chairman, RSSB overhaul many of its basic elements, perhaps K valuable role and functions of RSSB are we could all learn some lessons from protected, rather than the actual organisation passengers. Moorhouse’s example. itself. “In the submission we’ve already made we She concludes: “I joined RSSB because This view is informed by her experience as talked a lot about the importance of bringing I think it is doing a damned good job and a senior civil servant where she witnessed people together because it really matters I would be sorry to see those initiatives the unedifying spectacle of raw self- that contractors, TOCs, suppliers and lost but, as I said, if you’ve been in the civil interest coming to the fore during similar infrastructure managers are able to work service you will have listened to all the government-sponsored reviews into aspects together. But I sit as a former civil servant, lawyers and lobbyists turn up and say how of the health and water industries. so I know how deeply unattractive it is critically important it is that their particular RSSB has made a submission to Keith when personal self-interest is made a higher interest is given vast sums of public money. Williams’ Rail Review team, in which priority than the public good. “I will defend what we do - but would I Moorhouse says any self-defence is set aside “It would be a perfectly reasonable thing defend our organisational structure in any in favour of achieving the most optimal for me to say that I think RSSB has some circumstances? No. I like working in rail solutions to problems faced by industry and good skills and it would be a great pity and I’m lucky to be contributing to it, but for them to be lost, but I think what really that won’t be in terms of defending our turf BARBARA MOORHOUSE matters is that Williams comes up with at all costs, but in terms of making sure that a new set of structures that are as fit for the things we do well are given appropriate Moorhouse’s executive career purpose as they possibly can be. consideration in whatever comes next.” ■ encompasses board appointments in “I would like to feel that we don’t shuffle international IT companies, Director the deckchairs too much structurally Rail Live General positions at the Ministry of Justice without thinking through all the operational For more information, RSSB will be and Department for Transport and as underpinnings. The only partial thing I’d say exhibiting at Rail Live from June 19-20 Chief Operating Officer for Westminster at this point is that we think a lot of our work at Quinton Rail Technology Centre, Long City Council. She was appointed the new needs to carry on somehow, somewhere, Marston, Warwickshire. Chairman of the RSSB board, taking effect and the culture and mentality embodied by from January 1, and is a Non-Executive RSSB needs to be writ large. Director at Balfour Beatty, Microgen and “I have no desire to promote RSSB’s Further reading Agility Trains. She is also a Trustee of interests, and if my role disappears and it’s RAIL 858, Shaping RSSB’s mission. Guy’s and St Thomas’ charity. in a good cause then that’s absolutely fine. RAIL 855, Funding the future. But I do want to promote what I think is

14

FP_RAIL_RS0001Umbrid3937699.pdf 06.10.2019 16:33 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE SPECIAL REPORT Produced by

The Innovation Hub uses a four-car Class 319 that has been significantly repurposed All aboard the for the event. PORTERBROOK. Innovation Hub ANVESH PRASAD tells RAIL about Innovation Hub. Porterbrook’s platform for demonstrating Echoing the ‘missing link’ theme, he says: “To date, new concepts in train technology a critical stepping stone between laboratory-based testing and live rail operation has been missing, and as an ne year after its first ever supplier passenger facilities; new uses of data and engineering innovation developer we conference, Porterbrook has connectivity; and system monitoring. welcome Porterbrook’s investment in created its Innovation Hub, using Porterbrook believes that the idea is bridging this gap.” Oa redundant electric multiple unit particularly appealing to small and medium- He said the EMU will provide a “unique to create a platform where suppliers can sized enterprises seeking to make their and highly valuable” facility in which to test demonstrate their products. debuts in the rail industry. and demonstrate the company’s product, Using an off-lease Class 319, the company These companies often want to showcase We are all being which enables carriages to be used both for describes the Innovation Hub as a “missing their wares to the market but have been passenger and freight use. link” in escalating concepts to viable unable to do so in a real-life environment. and Department for encouraged to look at Companies working with Porterbrook products. So by creating that using an actual EMU, Business, Energy and on the Innovation Hub include: 3M, 42 Porterbrook’s Head of Procurement Porterbrook believes the market will be Industrial Strategy (BEIS). innovations that will Technology, AB Turnkey Solutions, Altro, Anvesh Prasad tells RAIL that the market better able to respond to the sector. This means that Porterbrook can Aqueous Guard, AS-FE, Aura Graphics, had called for such a platform to demonstrate Prasad tells RAIL: “You have to remember help drive forward ambitious plans from benefit passengers Axminster Carpets, Birley Manufacturing, innovative ideas. that SMEs are likely to want to show the Rail Supply Group to help grow the BlockDox, Blocksil, Camira Fabrics, In June last year, the rolling stock leasing conceptual products rather than what’s UK’s rail export market. Prasad doesn’t rule - what’s not to like Chrysalis Rail, Derby Engineering Unit, company’s conference was attended by more already on the market, and they may not yet out international customers, but says the DG8 design and engineering, Digital than 200 people, representing more than 100 have the approvals.” and match what is required, show a flexible focus is very much on the UK supply chain. about this? Railway, ELeather, EAO, ESG Rail, Flitetrak, companies. Porterbrook is due to launch the train at configuration, and enables customers to “It’s going to help the smaller suppliers Anvesh Prasad, Head of Harrington Generators International, At the event, many of them highlighted the Rail Live on June 19/20 at Long Marston, and get a better understanding of the product engage with the train operating companies Procurement, Porterbrook I.M. Kelly R & A, Infodev EDI, Inspiring need to showcase products and technology it’s planned that the EMU will stay there. The they are investigating. By doing this it’s also on innovation. At Porterbrook we are Solutions Group, KeTech Systems, Marl aboard a real train. event was the first time that many UK-based possible to showcase innovative ideas in looking at what’s in the marketplace, so this Innovation Hub initiative is the catalyst International, Milwaukee Composites Between October 1 2018 and March businesses had the opportunity to showcase real-time. is good for both us and the supply chain. that will allow URGroup to further develop Incorporated, Motorail, On Train, Petards, 31 this year, the rolling stock company their products in a real train environment - It’s planned that the Innovation Hub will “We are all being encouraged to look at and demonstrate its innovations. It will also Powelectrics, Quinton Rail Technology sourced a donor EMU and invited interested and for free. be an annual showcase for businesses to innovations that will benefit passengers - receive valuable feedback from experts in Centre, Revitaglaze, Train FX, Transcal suppliers to offer products to display on it. It The four-car unit is split into four zones demonstrate their products and Porterbrook what’s not to like about this?” many areas of the industry.” Engineering, TRB Lightweight Structures, created a unique livery and worked with the (although it remains formed as a single unit). is keen for the train to be used by suppliers The Innovation Hub also supports the He describes the train as the ideal platform Ultra Fog, Unipart Rail and UR Group. industry and various stakeholders, including On board are around 30 products from some all year round for customer visits and Government’s rail supply chain objectives for demonstrating digital train solutions and Another key benefit of the project government departments, to turn it into an 25 suppliers, showcasing a range of products demonstrations. and will also help drive forward the Rail to showcase how real value can be delivered. has been the creation of networking attractive venue for potential customers. including flooring, graphics, seats and Prasad says that the idea has proved so Supply Group’s ambitious plans to grow Dr Zane van Romunde, Transport Sector opportunities between the suppliers, Porterbrook plans for the Innovation Hub signage. The entire train will be full of new popular that he had to turn interested parties UK rail exports. Lead at 42 Technology Limited, said his and several have worked together on the to focus on four key areas: environmentally products. away, but they are keen to be involved in the Feedback has been positive. URG Sales company would be able to demonstrate Innovation Hub. Porterbrook believes that friendly manufacturing processes; improved Prasad says this allows Porterbrook to mix next one, planned for next year. That works Director Gary Lock says: “Porterbrook’s its Adaptable Carriage technology on the by bringing suppliers together there will for the industry, he says, because the supply be the creation of not only long-lasting chain works to the end of each year, and so relationships between the suppliers, but also that will allow the next Innovation Hub to between the suppliers and the rolling stock be created. company. Basing the train as a static showcase at Porterbrook CEO Mary Grant sums up Long Marston also allows Porterbrook to the project: “We hope it will pave the way carry out more on-board activities, as the for brilliant new ideas and technologies to approvals process is not as stringent as if it be implemented on the railways. Innovation Each vehicle in the four-car train will feature different interiors and products, was on the main line. The motor vehicles of the Class 319 highlight the innovative work the Porterbrook is is the lifeblood of the rail industry, but while while the exterior will feature a specially designed livery. PORTERBROOK. Feedback from the supply chain has been carrying out to repurpose its fleet for the future, including hydrogen power.PORTERBROOK. there is no shortage of new ideas, we are very positive, according to Prasad, who reveals aware of the challenges our suppliers face in the Innovation Hub unit was announced to demonstrating and testing new products. the sector last autumn at RVE 2018. “As an industry steeped in heritage, it’s Crucially for the project, it has support essential that we keep our fingers on the from key government departments pulse of new technology and customer needs, – Department for Transport (DfT), and this is something that we at Porterbrook Department for International Trade (DIT) put at the core of what we do.” ■

16 17 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE SPECIAL REPORT Produced by Cloud Nine maintenance

panish manufacturer Talgo has had a strong focus on innovation since its The sheer power and capacity of inception, in 1942. For example, one cloud computing is opening up a new Sof its revolutionary designs obviates the need for bogies and axles, and is in use across the world. world of predictive maintenance for The company has ambitions to build trains in the UK, and to do this it’s breaking new Talgo, writes RICHARD CLINNICK ground, this time in a major collaboration that uses Google’s Cloud Platform. headquarters, in Las Matas near Madrid, in a to enhance the volume of data it collects by The company’s Chief Maintenance system designed to improve reliability. a massive margin. Previously, Talgo would Engineer Jose Antonio Marcos explains: “We Says Marcos: “Cloud technologies are collect about 1Mb of data per day from each chose Google for its unlimited scalability, essential for any predictive maintenance train, while trains would send an event great connectivity, massive storage, data model on this scale. Companies that do not alarm in case of a problem. streaming and its machine learning use cloud technology simply cannot meet the That data has increased considerably. An artist’s impression solutions.” challenges of attaining high reliability and Talgo now captures 2,000 times that of a future Talgo Very A bon mot at Talgo is “When is a high- availability alongside low maintenance costs. amount, with 2Gb received daily from each High Speed Train for speed train not a high-speed train? When “If you use cloud technology, you are in. If vehicle. On a train, 2,000 sensors capture the UK market. TALGO. it’s sat on a depot undergoing repairs.” The you don’t, you are out.” a piece of data every second. This enables thrust of this new partnership is to ensure But how does it work? Talgo staff to monitor how the train is could arise. This means Talgo can plan to the trains are in traffic far more than they are Using sensor data from the trains, Talgo performing while it’s on the move. Some remove any train from traffic anywhere in Companies that do not use cloud technology sat on depots. maintenance teams can analyse data of the data streamed includes voltage, the world, and not affect the performance Currently, the company is finishing an gathered by the train to predict problems. acceleration and hydraulics, and even a video criteria laid down by the operator in that simply cannot meet the challenges of attaining order for 36 very high-speed trains for Saudi The trains can then be recovered to a depot of the driver’s view. particular country. Arabia, with 80 similar trains on order for where preventative maintenance can Supplementing that data, the train also Each train sends the 2,000 events per high reliability and availability alongside low Spanish state operator Renfe, and up to 100 be carried out, thus ensuring continued sends a batch of information every four second via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) trains for Deutsche Bahn. reliability. An example of this is how one of minutes, which can include any reports for central analysis. It also connects to the maintenance costs. Talgo is also shortlisted to supply 54 the neural networks being developed will triggered by anomalous data that might Cloud Datastore. Jose Antonio Marcos, Chief Maintenance Engineer, Talgo classic-compatible trains for High Speed be able to predict rolling bearing failures require the attention of maintenance teams. Marcos explains: “Once the data is in 2 in the UK, and all of these fleets, as one to two weeks before they occur. That is However, this technology also allows the the Cloud Datastore, we conduct real- functionality, like tracking train locations sandstorm or a UK winter. Talgo can provide well as those already in service, will achieved by predicting the temperature of same staff to predict maintenance needs as time monitoring using an application using Google Maps.” that level of service, but the only thing potentially have one thing in common - the bearing based on data from the sensors. the data is fed into high-precision modelling (OpenSistemas) we developed. A key benefit for Marcos’ team using cloud that makes it possible is the use of cloud they will communicate with the company’s The new technology enables the company machines that can predict any problems that “Both our maintenance engineering technology is the cost savings. While it was technology.” department in Saudi Arabia and our clear that the on-premises infrastructure Once Talgo has the data, its maintenance corporate headquarters in Spain can use that required to meet the demands of customers teams can compare the variables to keep to monitor the data in real time, and from was financially prohibitive, the cloud track of the train’s condition. But even that Cloud Datastore we can easily add extra infrastructure was not. is not enough for the company. It wants to Historical data can be stored for future create machine learning models that can analysis. Gone are the days of stores of paper assist in the predictive maintenance using FAST DATA notes - Talgo’s solution also allows trains to condition-based monitoring. As well as onboard systems, Talgo upload their entire daily data capture of 2Gb Marcos explains: “We are experimenting is working on trackside installations. to a Cloud Storage Bucket. Once in the store with sending data using Cloud IoT (Internet These will take readings from trains it can be used by Talgo’s analysts to model of Things) Core and Cloud IoT Edge and as they pass at speeds of up to the performance of the trains and identify ingesting it with the same Cloud Pub/Sub, 300kph (186mph). any potential issues. Dataflow, BigQuery architecture that we Talgo Chief Maintenance Engineer Ninety of the new trains will carry event already use.” Jose Antonio Marcos says: “Our new alarms monitoring equipment. This is a He says that is being used to load automatic inspection equipment reaction to recent contracts that have had a libraries into onboard equipment, which TALVI uses cameras to detect much higher expectation when it comes to subsequently enables Talgo to control every whether anything is untoward on the maintenance. sensor on board. It can also change onboard side of the train. Marcos explains: “The new contracts patterns and rules, filter the information “It can see if the thickness of the we have with operators are very, very trains transmit and send messages directly to contact plate is within acceptable demanding. In terms of reliability, we sensors in the train. limits, and inspect the entire rolling may have to guarantee more than 30,000 “We can easily send results from our assembly as it passes through. This kilometres between basic inspection stops, Google Cloud Platform machine learning technology will mean that instead and more than 1.5 million kilometres model to mobile devices using App Engine,” of needing to go to the depot every between failures.” says Marcos. week, a train can go every three Marcos explains there is now even more “Predictions, recommendations and weeks. It takes six hours to inspect pressure to enhance reliability, and that evaluations of the condition of trains can a high-speed train, so we could external factors must also be taken into be sent directly to engineers anywhere, and Upper left: A vehicle from Talgo’s ‘Haramain’ train for Saudi Arabia. TALGO. save more than 200 hours of depot consideration. He says: “We also have to we can automatically generate reports using inspection time per train, per year.” Below left and above: Talgo’s ‘AVRIL ES’ for Spanish operator Renfe, under ensure 99% availability of the fleet, whether Google Data Studio so maintenance can be ■ construction at Las Matas, Madrid. TALGO. it is travelling through a Saudi Arabian more effective,” he adds.

18 19 Innovation

A Piccadilly Line service for Heathrow arrives at Manor House on June 11 2018. Among the measures called for by Calvin Barrows to reduce temperatures on the London Cooling Underground system is the coating of such trains in high-performance solar-reflective paint. ANTONY GUPPY.

and roofs that operate like Venetian blinds with the openings facing north or east. In conclusion, the Glasgow Subway demonstrates that all the heat sources from train and tunnel systems do not produce the Tube enough energy on an underground-only Retired Chartered Engineer CALVIN BARROWS network to cause overheating! Given that the principal cause of proposes simple but innovative solutions to the overheating of any train travelling overground in summer is quite simply the age-old problem of overheating metro networks effect of the sun’s irradiation, obviously, all such trains would benefit environmentally orldwide there are a significant installation of these cooling plants - with from the suggested radiant and thermal number of Metro networks their expensive capital and running costs barriers. that are grappling with and adverse environmental impact - is However, it is abundantly clear that Woverheating problems and imprudent. the long-standing issue of underground the following findings will make all the tunnels overheating is also a direct difference. For London Underground, Why does AC on the train not work for consequence of this solar irradiation of the which originally advertised “IT IS COOLER combined over/underground Metro trains, so incorporating such radiant and BELOW” until the 1920s, this has been a Networks? the undercarriage and the underside of the thermal barriers on trains in combined 120-year problem and their Cooling the Tube First, because the elevated ambient air is carriage itself, not to mention that with every With absorbed heat being carried into over/underground systems is an easy Project has contributed little improvement pushed and dragged into the tunnel by metre travelled this effect is compounded. decision, benefitting the travelling public since its inception in 2005. each train movement and secondly, the All this absorbed heat is emitted from the the tunnels and overheating them, even a from a safety and comfort perspective and, Even in the temperate climate of the sun’s irradiation heats the entire train carriages, effectively making each train notably, providing significant cost and United Kingdom, from autumn 2017 to both internally and, more importantly, entering the tunnel into a series of giant short ‘stalled train event’ underground could environmental benefits. autumn 2018 there was a 40°C seasonal externally! Even the undercarriage is affected ‘storage radiators’. Hence, AC in the train Finally, stabling of all trains travelling ambient temperature variation. In fact, a when the sun’s rays strike the large mass will not address all these heat sources, seriously compromise passenger safety. overground should be suitably shaded. This surface peak of 40°C+ was recorded last of the wheels. Additionally, the rails and seemingly only the saloon temperature. shading would also be advantageous to summer on the London Underground ballast are being irradiated and this heat is However, the total effect of all these heat before they enter the tunnel and address What are these barriers? trains that only travel underground when Central Line! However, the train and tunnel conducted, convected and radiated back to sources in the tunnel will overwhelm any the problem in an environmentally friendly First, there is solar reflective paint which in service but may be stabled overground systems create broadly the same heat year attempt at cooling the saloon using AC. and effective way. Consequently, this will should be applied to all the metalwork during off-peak periods. However, such round. In the summer, the seasonal effects The combined effect of the ambient air and reduce the need for additional tunnel cooling exposed to the the sun’s rays - on the appropriate stabling would then obviate the add to this year-round heat. In the winter the direct/indirect solar irradiation is massive systems. carriage and the undercarriage/wheels. need for underground-only trains to have seasonal effects are subtractive - so much when compared to the train and tunnel Reflecting the sun’s rays away reduces both radiant and thermal barriers. ■ so that to keep the passengers warm in system’s operational heat sources and causes Why do anything? the heat absorbed by the train’s metalwork winter saloon heaters are needed to generate the tunnels to overheat in the summer. The Obviously, improving comfort is a primary and that conducted inwards to the saloon. ABOUT THE AUTHOR additional heat. rise in tunnel heat is progressive with each reason. But safety is also a reason. With This would reduce both the internal and There are essentially three types of train entering the tunnel throughout the day. considerable absorbed heat being carried external train temperatures. The Australian Calvin Barrows is a chartered engineer, network: underground only, predominately Furthermore, attempting to cool by tunnel into the tunnels and overheating them, even Navy has applied this type of paint to latterly retired. overground, and combined over/ ventilation requires several air changes to a short ‘stalled train event’ underground its warships, and it has reduced surface During his earlier career, his work underground. They all behave differently. achieve any benefit, so this is neither an could seriously compromise passenger temperatures by 15-20⁰C; the power load on was focused on forensic engineering, to For Metro networks that run only effective nor feasible solution. safety. These are the operational imperatives. the cooling systems has also been reduced. establish the mechanisms of structural underground, such as Glasgow, overheating More research and monitoring should be However, we should not forget costs and the Secondly, there is solar control glass. and mechanical failures. Then, is not a problem - hold that thought. undertaken to quantify the relative impacts environment. Standard glass allows 84% of the sun’s continuing as an engineering manager For trains which run predominately of each heat source. On that basis, we can and should address radiation to pass into the saloon and only within the rail industry, he used his overground, air conditioning (AC) expels the the cause and mitigate the problem, reflects 16%, whereas solar control (Low E) extensive, theoretical and practical excess heat to free air, a technically sound How can we be sure we’re preventing the symptoms in the first place. glass allows only 4% of the sun’s radiation knowledge of all construction disciplines, but costly solution, both financially and on the right track? This calls for a two-pronged approach: by through the glass into the saloon but reflects together with a holistic approach to environmentally. First, as mentioned earlier, because introducing radiant and thermal barriers a massive 96%. Moreover, by reflecting the creative problem-solving. However, in the summer, combined over/ underground-only trains do not overheat! to the trains and by avoiding stabling radiation, less heat is absorbed by the glass Outside his professional career, he underground Metro networks overheat Secondly, because temperature monitoring trains in the sun during off-peak periods. itself, reducing its external temperature. brought the same skills and focused, throughout. Saloon heat is not the only has demonstrated considerably greater rises These changes should be recognised as key Thirdly, there is the undercarriage. hands-on approach to his architecturally problem - it’s also the tunnel heat! However, in saloon temperature when on the surface requirements and should be incorporated Combined foiled/insulation products can unique, self-build home and outbuildings AC in the trains alone is not an effective compared with the underground. Finally, at the design stage. However, these key reflect the radiation from the track and in rural Essex, incorporating many solution. because the sun causes rails to buckle, requirements can also be implemented insulate against heat convected from the innovative amenities to make it both user The current response to metros Tarmac roads to melt and metal seats and during routine repair, replacements and overheated bogies. and environmentally-friendly. overheating underground is either to do children’s slides to become hot enough to refurbishments. Finally, where trains are out of service Together with his wife Sylvia, he also nothing and subject the passengers to cause burns - so how can trains be immune It should be noted that while the above during off-peak times, they should not be runs a small but successful property This 1926 poster dates from a time when risk and discomfort or to install massive from this phenomenon? changes are not an operational imperative London Underground was promoted as a cool stabled in the open but shaded by a structure development and rental business, still cooling plants in the tunnel network, which sanctuary that offered respite from the hot for predominantly overground trains, the that does not in itself suffer from overheating making time to travel, visit the gym and addresses the symptoms but not the root summer sun. LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM/ What is the answer? environmental benefits to these trains should by solar gain. There are two feasible options: go walking in the country. cause. Conventional wisdom, dictating the TRANSPORT FOR LONDON. We need to reduce the heat of the trains not be dismissed! fire-resistant fabric canopies or finned walls

20 21 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE SPECIAL REPORT Produced by Evolution of the smart train Siemens Mobility’s Rolling Stock Sales Director PAUL BAINES tells RAIL how the award-winning Class 700 has spawned new and improved versions

rains from Siemens Mobility’s The installation of thousands of data Desiro City range have become points in each vehicle means that diagnostic a familiar fixture on the UK rail data could be streamed from each train to Tnetwork ever since the first Class Siemens Mobility’s service centre, enabling 700 entered passenger service with Govia preventative action to be taken while the Thameslink Railway in June 2016. train is still in service, and a new regime Making that maiden journey was 12-car of predictive maintenance to operate at 700108, which was procured in 2013 as part Thameslink’s two depots at Hornsey and of a 115-train order for the government- Three Bridges. sponsored Thameslink programme. Diagnostic data has also enabled Siemens It remains one of the largest ever train Mobility’s technicians to increasingly operate orders in UK history (worth some £1.5 in a paperless environment at the depots, Govia Thameslink Railway 700126 calls billion), and required Siemens Mobility to where they are equipped with handheld at Stevenage on April 12 with a service build a total of 1,140 vehicles at its factory in devices, rather than the toolkits of old. from Peterborough to Horsham. The Krefeld, Germany, between 2013 and 2018. This facility allows them to view relevant fleet’s successful introduction and its Despite the significant logistical challenges technical drawings through the company’s digital sophistication were recognised last September when the Class 700 was posed by such a large undertaking, in Train Care portal, and refer back to a 3D named Train of the Year at RAIL’s partnership with GTR, all 115 trains were Vehicle Maintenance Instruction portal to National Rail Awards. PAUL BIGLAND. delivered and commissioned on time before quickly diagnose, report and remedy faults. the end of June 2018. To help manage and understand the The fleet will create capacity for an ‘big data’ produced by Desiro City and accrued since the first ‘700’ entered service, Meanwhile, Great Northern has now taken and reach of our global business has been outperform the reliability curve, which goes additional 50,000 passengers to travel into other Siemens Mobility train platforms, the fleet has already achieved an MTIN delivery of its final ‘717’, with six sets in traffic able to quickly respond and deal with it. to show the process of repeated learning is central London each day, once GTR has fully the company offers operators access to its figure (miles between a technical incidence at the time this issue of RAIL went to press. “The Class 707s MTIN was 80,000 before working. A train can only be as good as it’s introduced its high-frequency timetable of up Railigent cloud-based mobile application causing a service delay) of nearly 20,000, Not enough performance data has yet Christmas and typically it’s between 50,000- built, which is a testament to its quality and to 24 trains per hour at peak times. suite. but Siemens Mobility’s ambition is to strive been gathered on the ‘717’ fleet to draw 60,000 which, for a fleet that’s still under this cycle of learning.” The Desiro City platform was offered by Powered by Siemens Mobility’s cloud- towards achieving zero faults. meaningful comparisons with the ‘700s’, but warranty, is extremely high. They are due to In terms of the future, Baines says Siemens Mobility following a research and based Internet of Things operating system To achieve this, faults and items for Baines points to the MTIN figure currently go off-lease [from South Western Railway] that research and development is being development programme, during which MindSphere, Railigent can integrate improvement are logged and then stored in a being achieved by the ‘707s’ as firm evidence at the end of the year, but this might suggest undertaken to design Siemens Mobility’s next more than 50 million euros (£43.8m) was with various applications and automated database if they have occurred before. They that newer variants of the Desiro City are that there will be no shortage of takers. range of Desiro City trains that builds on the spent by the company to create a bespoke measurements which are then analysed and then enter a ‘performance pipeline’ in which registering improved performance rates. “It’s a different operational concept but it’s successful ‘700’, ‘707’ and ‘717’ variants, and solution for the Thameslink programme. interpreted through a simplified dashboard. remedial action is taken either through He says this is due to lessons being the second series in the Desiro City fleet to will include an inter-city and regional variant Siemens Mobility’s engineers needed to Siemens Mobility Rolling Stock Sales software or hardware modification. learned from fault-finding and a robust to enhance the product range. fulfil a demanding specification that required Director Paul Baines explains: “Maintenance This will not only further improve the testing process on the ‘700s’ as software and It’s the second series This might include the possibility of not only increased capacity (in order to regimes used to be very manual, but the already impressive reliability of the ‘700’ fleet, hardware has had time to fully bed in. bi-mode trains that incorporate hydrogen serve some of Britain’s most intensively regime [on Thameslink] now reflects but has already enabled Siemens Mobility to Also, just like a smartphone, the software in the Desiro City fleet or battery technology to offer a more used commuter routes) but also improved modern automation and more than 30% introduce even higher performance variants on Desiro City trains is continually updated environmentally friendly alternative to diesel safety, security, comfort and cost and energy of maintenance actions are currently being from its Desiro City range in the last couple during its lifetime, meaning that newer to outperform the traction away from the electrified part of the efficiency. generated by the train. Our technicians work of years. variants including the ‘707’ and ‘717’ can network. The ‘700s’ also had to be fully digitally in paperless depots using tablets all because This includes the 30 five-car Class 707s come pre-equipped with more recent and reliability curve, which The company is currently engaging with a enabled to integrate with new infrastructure, we, as engineers, spotted the digital trend that were ordered in September 2014 to improved versions. number of potential customers with a view to becoming the first main line trains in the early on. operate services out of London Waterloo, He adds: “We are the only manufacturer goes to show the building a proof-of-concept prototype. world to operate using both ATO (Automatic “The market for new trains has shifted and the 25 six-car Class 717s ordered to to have successfully introduced more than Siemens Mobility has a hybrid battery Train Operation) and ETCS (European Train completely from ten years ago. Back then replace 40-year-old Class 313s on Great 150 post-privatisation second-generation process of repeated EMU in operation on one of its CityJet trains Control System) in-cab signalling technology. manufacturers were offering manual regimes Northern services from Moorgate. trains in the UK. It’s a German way of doing in Austria, and is at an advanced stage its The train’s intelligent software design also with a few digital enhancements. Now The first ‘707s’ entered service with South things, to take an idea and then make it learning is working. hydrogen fuel system operating on a test offered other benefits, including increased customers want to know why they can’t have Western Railway in August 2017 and, even better. Fleet introductions rarely run as bench in Germany. The intention is that both reliability and performance through data- everything digital.” according to Baines, have become one of the smoothly as you’d like, but when we’ve had Paul Baines, Rolling Stock Sales of these products will be available for the UK driven technology. With more than 20 million miles of service most reliable trains in SWR’s fleet. issues with software, for example, the scale Director, Siemens Mobility market in due course. ■

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FP_RAIL_399608id3937707.pdf 11.06.2019 11:57