Integrated Optical Fibre Sensing (OptRail-PRO) to Optimise Rail S&C Maintenance

这个SBRI Foak 2020“OptRail-PRO”项目将通过进一步开发、测试、试验认证和安装OptRail原型解决方案，展示使用光纤多传感器对铁路基础设施交换机和道口(S和C)进行集成状态监控，该解决方案由由Innovate UK和Air5下的交通部(DFT)资助的RCM2牵头的财团在2018-2019年期间开发。OptRail达到了铁路行业准备级别5(RIRL 5)，相当于技术准备级别6(TRL 6)。已经开发了各种知识产权(IP)，其中一些需要进一步的研发，以确保为S铁路公司的预见性维护提供可靠且经济高效的解决方案，特别是用于空洞和/或裂纹扩展的监测、预防和预测。铁路基础设施道岔和道口(S&C)系统是一种安全关键和高价值的资产，具有可移动的轨道区段，将列车从一条轨道引导到另一条轨道，并允许列车交叉。它们的寿命特别有限，因为火车在经过它们时会造成磨损和变形。因此，S控制系统处于车辆(列车荷载和轮轨动力学)、信号(转向机，也称为道岔)和轨道(道岔板--设计用于使列车车轮从翼轨“平稳”运行到前轨)之间的多学科界面上。它的长期性能取决于这些元素随着时间的推移如何相互作用，同时它总是被要求高度可靠，因为它的故障或停机可能会导致系统延迟甚至致命事故，例如2002年的Potters Bar事故(7人死亡，76人受伤)。Network Rail和Rcm2 Limited确定贝斯纳尔绿色十字路口(BGK)、大安格利亚路线为安装和现场试验OptRail(光纤传感)空洞/裂纹扩展预测(V&CGP)解决方案的可行和关键位置。原型示范项目将建立在OptRail创新元素的基础上，并推动其发展。从提高稳健性(优化的传感器配置、磁夹安装套件)到信号处理和V&CGP算法(边缘计算、物联网、人工智能、云)的开发和验证，这些措施各不相同。在Network Rail的Melton Rail创新与开发中心(RIDC)确定了两个道口进行现场试验。收集的数据将对照S&C数字双胞胎模型进行验证。OptRail数据将通过网络API通过Rcm2 Cloud共享。预期结果将证明，OptRail已达到并满足根据NR/L2/RSE/0005 L2业务流程“产品可靠性设计”的所有可靠性准备级别(RRL6-RRL8)要求。

This SBRI FOAK 2020 “OptRail-PRO” Project will demonstrate the use of Optical Fibre Multi-Sensing for Integrated Condition Monitoring of Rail Infrastructure Switches and Crossings (S&C), through further development, test trial certification and installation of the OptRail prototype solution developed by an rcm2- led consortium funded by Innovate UK and Department for Transport (DfT) under AIR5 during 2018-2019. OptRail achieved Rail Industry Readiness Level Five (RIRL 5) equivalent to Technology Readiness Level Six (TRL 6). Various Intellectual Properties (IP’s) were developed, some of which require further R&D to ensure a robust and cost-effective solution for predictive maintenance of railtrack S&C in particular for void and/or crack growth monitoring, prevention and prediction. A railway infrastructure Switches and Crossing (S&C) system is a safety-critical and high-value asset with moveable track sections that guide trains from one track to another and allow them to cross paths. They have an especially limited lifespan because trains cause wear and deformation when they travel across them. As such an S&C system is at a multi-disciplinary interface between rolling-stock (train load and wheel-rail dynamics), signalling (point machines aka turnout) and track (crossing panel - designed to enable the train wheel “smooth” travel from the wing rail to the nose rail.). Its long-term performance relies on how these elements interact with each other over time, while it is always required to be highly reliable since its failure or downtime can cause system delay or even fatal accidents, such as the Potters Bar accident in 2002 (seven deaths and 76 injuries). Network Rail and rcm2 limited identified Bethnal Green Crossing (BGK), Greater Anglia Route as a practicable and critical location for installation and field trial of the OptRail (Optical Fibre Sensing) Solution for Void/Crack Growth Prediction (V&CGP). The Prototype Demonstration project will build upon and advance innovative elements of OptRail. These vary from improving robustness (optimised sensor configuration, magnetic clamp installation kit) to signal processing and V&CGP algorithms (Edge computing, IoT, AI, Cloud) development and validation. Two crossings at Network Rail's Melton Rail Innovation & Development Centre (RIDC) are identified for field trials. Data collected will be validated against S&C Digital Twin model. OptRail data will be shared through rcm2 Cloud through a web API. The expected outcome is to have demonstrated that OptRail had met and satisfied all the Reliability Readiness Level (RRL6-RRL8) requirements as per NR/L2/RSE/0005 L2 Business Process “Product Design for Reliability".