CONNECTA-2 - Cost-efficient and reliable trains, including high-capacity trains and high-speed trains
Overview
Background & policy context:
CONNECTA-2 aims at contributing to the Shift2Rail’s next generation of TCMS architectures and components, combining the new drive-by-data concept for train control together with wireless information transmissions. This project envisions paving the way towards a 50% increase in the availability of trains related to the functioning of train control and monitoring, a 50% reduction in cost, time and effort in certification, commissioning and maintenance phases, while at the same time developing the ability to implement SIL4 functions in the TCMS and supporting the development of the “virtual coupling” concept, which can dramatically increase the capacity of lines.
Objectives:
The high level objective of the work is to continue the activities started in CONNECTA-1 to bring the technologies to TRL5 and deploying them in two laboratory demonstrators. The specific actions to be undertaken within the scope of CONNECTA-2 contributing to the above high level targets are:
- To continue the development of wireless technologies for the train communication networks, including the wireless ECN, the wireless ETB, the train-to-ground communication and the train-to-train communication.
- To implement the new train-wide communication network (known as NG-TCN) for full TCMS support including the replacement of train lines, connecting safety functions up to SIL4 and support of “fail-safe” and “fail-tolerant” principles, to provide an optimal train network for TCMS and OMTS (Onboard Multimedia and Telematic Services) as well as communication mean for non-TCMS functions, as defined in CONNECTA-1.
- To continue with the standardisation of functional interfaces of functions (application profiles).
- To implement the Functional Open Coupling (FOC) concept to facilitate the coupling of two or more consists supplied by different manufacturers and which could have different train functions.
- To develop the simulation framework, defined by CONNECTA-1, in which all subsystems of the train can be simulated, allowing remote and distributed testing including hardware in-the-loop through heterogeneous communication networks.
- To implement the Functional Distribution Framework (FDF) to allow the new function-centric approach for the TCMS and the reduction of the number of onboard electronics and of complexity.
- To integrate into the NG-TCN safety critical functions.
- To validate non-railway standards and technologies for use in safety-related railway applications.
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