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Argenia's Positive Train Control (PTC) & Hybrid Vital Wheel Sensor Technology A federal mandate has been put in place for rail operators to equip their trains with collision-avoidance technology, called positive train control, or PTC. [1] Major freight railroads and intercity and commuter rail operators must submit their PTC implementation plans to FRA for approval by April 2010, which is the first phase of compliance. PTC systems are expected to be fully deployed by the end of 2015. [2] Argenia Systems Inc. has submitted patent applications for new hybrid PTC technology which confirms to this mandate and to the emerging interoperability standards. The technology itself is unique, fool-proof and literally costs a fraction of the costs proposed by the major suppliers to date. This system vastly improves train tracking and positioning using real-time train control and enhanced monitoring: this leads to improved track utilization, higher train speeds and improved safety. This is the only technology on the market which removes the need for insulated joints/rail & buried cables saving railway operators millions of dollars in installation and maintenance costs. This technology will revolutionize modern railway signaling and control. Train accidents in North America number thousands per year, many of which can be avoided with this technology. [3] Argenia has developed relationships with The National Research Council, Transport Canada and The Railway Association of Canada. We are seeking additonal alliances who can bring this technology to the market on a worldwide scale. We are inviting you to preview first-hand this exciting new PTC technology. Many of you will have access to government funding if you wish to be industry leaders in Train Control and Signaling. |
Benefits of Hybrid PTC System |
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1. Operates with Fixed Block ABS Type Controls and PTC Moving Block on a Train by Train Basis. The mode of operation depends on equipment onboard the train. If unequipped or incommunicative, the existing track circuits can be used to provide the ABS operation where separation is defined by block size. If a train is equipped with our In Cab OBC communication system, the separation is defined by the stopping distance of the train, and operation efficiencies are achieved. The In-Cab System also produces the signal aspects to provide Virtual Signaling and eventual elimination of the wayside signaling system. 2. Vital Train Location System using Multiple Technologies for Accurate Vital Positioning and Tracking. Utilizes existing track circuits; vital wheel counters (Axle Counters) and on-board GPS mobile systems for train location determination in a vital manner. A combination of wayside detectors and onboard GPS allows the best features of each to be used without the limitations of using one technology. 3. Virtual Train Emulation at the Wheel Sensors allows Easy Verification and Validation of the System The sensors can generate wheel events at the sensors themselves, so all responses are identical to those of a real train. This allows running multiple train consists in a variety of ways to test and verify the system performance and track down corner cases. Periodic testing ensures the system is always available. Virtually any size and speed of train can be simulated without any personnel or train being necessary. 4. Portable Locomotive On Board Computer (OBC) for Simple Low Cost Installation and Upgrades Equipment can be installed or removed in about an hour. The portable nature allows visiting locomotives to be equipped for short durations without committing to a permanent installation. There are no large racks and no wiring to be done in the cab, except for an antenna track to mount on the roof. Dual Diverse GPS is used along with the wayside wheel sensors that are used to correct and validate GPS readings, and discriminate track occupancy and resolve locations even without the GPS data being available. (Without the GPS data, the train is relegated to Absolute Block Control (ABS) 5. Internet Enabled for Monitoring and Control. All equipment is monitored over the internet or on your private Intranet service. Full details of all system components, simulations, data logs and self testing are conducted from your office desk. 6. Robust Wayside Communications with License Free Data Radios in a Three Tier Network. Argenia supports a strategy of multiple low cost radios in a fault tolerant design. Tier 1 radios are Frequency hoppers that operate wayside equipment and communicate with the mobile units (locomotives, high-railers, etc) with two simultaneous links to the base stations. A second tier data radio communicates to the base station systems and also with Quad-Band GSM cellular communications as a fallback approach. The third tier is the base stations in constant communications with a Traffic Control Centre. The system provides 3 methods for train communications to provide the most reliable and available system available anywhere. The use of diverse multi-path communications can tolerate several node failures without a loss in safety. 7. Provides all the PTS Features: Collision Avoidance, In-Cab Speed Displays and Penalty Braking The Operator display show the engineer the current speed restrictions and the time and distance to a speed change or stop point. A large clear and bright LED display is the primary display. A secondary graphics unit is optional, that displays in sunlight readable ToughBook PC, the scrolling track maps and separation distances between trains in the area. Outputs for automatic Speed control are available optionally. 8. Interoperability Argenia has implemented Arema Committee 37 recommendations for ICBS Interoperable Communications based Signaling and will conform to this emerging standard. Our powerful base station communications processors can receive and convert a variety of protocols to make them understandable with our system and vice versa. 9. Personnel Protection via Handheld Receivers Nearby track workers can carry a Personal Advanced Warning System (PAWS) that will sound when a train is approaching. This can be mounted in a truck or van as well. 10. High Speed Crossing Overlays and Private Crossing Applications Argenia's wireless wheel detectors extend the approach of an existing crossing to increase its speed rating, or implement private crossings with the same PTC technology. The EVU wayside evaluator can implement vital logic and interlocking using its two diverse processors in parallel. This vital unit operates the PTC system and crossing all in the same reliable package. 11. Lowest Cost and Highest Performance This new generation system was designed from the ground up using modern technologies, reducing power consumption and size to a fraction of existing systems. As a result, the capital cost and installation is reduced by 30 to 50% compared to present day legacy technologies. Also, wheel detectors can augment track circuits and replace them without the need for insulated joints.
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Argenia Smart Positive Train Control – Railway
Association Canada Conference [1] Federal Railroad Administration - Postive Train Control Overview (Nov. 5, 2008) [2] PTC Regulations - New Rules Could Help Prevent Train Collisions (Dec. 23, 2008) [3] Positive Train Control Boosted by L.A. Train Collison (Sept. 15, 2008) |
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