Real-Time Computer Simulation Helps Train Performance

OPAL-RT Europe designed the real-time computer simulator that ESIEE Amiens uses to simulate the interaction between catenaries and pantographs. A team of engineers is currently using the simulator to advise railway industries seeking to improve high speed train performance by optimizing electrical energy transmission thanks to a greater understanding of physical phenomenon such as contact loss, mechanical faults or atmospheric conditions.

Published Date: March 2, 2011
Publication: electronique-mag.com
Originally written in French: http://electronique-mag.com/article3936.html

OPAL-RT Europe designed the real-time computer simulator that ESIEE Amiens uses to simulate the interaction between catenaries and pantographs. A team of engineers is currently using the simulator to advise railway industries seeking to improve high speed train performance by optimizing electrical energy transmission thanks to a greater understanding of physical phenomenon such as contact loss, mechanical faults or atmospheric conditions. Providing real-time computer results as meaningful as those seen in physical models, real-time computer simulation lets you digitally test train electrical energy transmission while reducing test time and costs usually associated with the design, use and multiple adjustments of prototypes.

The ESIEE Amiens aims to help companies in the rail transportation industry reduce the number of incidents caused by physical phenomena (vibrations, speed, climactic and environmental conditions, etc.) that have an impact on the interaction between the catenaries and pantographs and therefore on the train’s performance. The team of university engineers studied alternate techniques and technologies that allowed them to perform catenaries, pantograph and electrical energy transmission tests in real conditions and have opted for the real-time computer simulation solution for the first phase of their project.

In fact, this solution offers precise, proven results that are as conclusive as those obtained using an actual, physical model. Choosing this solution over physical testing reduces costs associated with manufacturing and adapting the prototypes required for such tests. Engineers can also reduce testing time because mechanical adjustments required for the various simulations are replaced with quick computer parameters.

Under mandate from the ESIEE Amiens in April 2010, OPAL-RT Europe developed a real-time computer simulator specifically to study the interaction between catenaries and pantographs where the result refresh rate is up to 100,000 times per second, 100 times faster than with traditional simulators. This increases the accuracy of the physical phenomenon represented.

Since October 2010, the engineers have submitted the solution to:
·       Different degrees of model complexity, according to the number of cores.
·       Multiple physical phenomenon (mechanical faults, overheating, wear on contact strip, etc.). These computer tests allow engineers to quickly identify faults and their causes and to offer appropriate industry recommendations.

In the 2nd phase of the project, beginning in 2013, a technological platform is planned that includes three test benches equipped with catenaries revolving at 600km/h. This project, called “CADEMCE” will allow rail industry operators and manufacturers to test their products in more varied climactic and environmental conditions.