PLEASE NOTE – NEW DATE: THURSDAY 2ND NOVEMBER

Overview

Electrified railways use running rails for three purposes: guiding the train, providing a return path for traction currents, and detecting trains. These purposes have coexisted since the early 1900s. However, the introduction of electronic traction control in the 1970s and 3-phase inverter drives in the 1990s generated high levels of complex switching harmonics that threatened the safe operation of train detection. To address this issue, railways developed standards to specify the limits of harmonics permissible in the traction return. Although rolling stock manufacturers have found ways to minimise the threat posed by electronic switching, it is still necessary to test every new design of rolling stock entering the rail network to ensure that it is effectively detected by the signaling system and does not produce electrical noise that can interfere with the proper operation of the signaling system. Modern trains and rolling stock can cause electrical interference that disrupts signalling train detection systems and makes it difficult to detect short and light vehicles. This paper outlines the testing and assessment methods used by a major Australian rail organisation to ensure that all new rolling stock meets the requirements of signalling systems.

Learning outcomes:

In this presentation you will learn:

• Rolling stock signalling interfaces and how these systems are used effectively.
• Review of the standards and compliance required.
• Compatibility testing and the importance to effectively test all new designs

Event program
5:30pm: Registrations open and networking
6:00pm: Presentation commence with Q&A session
7:00pm: Presentation concludes and further networking
7:30pm: Event concludes

About the speaker

Paul Szacsvay, Associate Principal Consultant, SNC-Lavalin Australasia

Paul is a signalling engineer and engineering manager with more than 50 years’ experience working with major government organisations. He is a specialist in signalling technology, with expertise in development of national standards for signalling systems, assessment of rolling stock signalling compatibility, evaluation, testing and type approval of new equipment and systems, incident investigation and signalling competency management.