Above Industry Standard SetupTime
AVANTE PTC System can be installed and fully operational within 3-6 months rather than 2+ years industry average.
Functions of a PTC System (Positive Train Control System, USA) & RHINOS (Railway High Intensity Navigation Overlay System, EU)
The foundation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and Positive Train Control (PTC) System is real time location of all trains on the track and information systems to provide direct commands to the signaling networks and the onboard PTC computer on each train.
Freight and passenger trains traveling in most places have an aerial view that can rely on satellite positioning, such as GPS, for accurate location with some form of assistance and enhancement. However, there are places where accurate locating cannot be obtained even with some assistance when the siding tracks are close to the main track.
For those trains that operate within a city environment, or underground, GPS-based positioning cannot be used. The European Train Control System (ETCS) uses Eurobalise or active Balise that are powered and wired and mounted on top of the track surface within an onboard reader to locate and control the train operation. Most US metro train networks use the same Eurobalise system for its Positive Train Control (PTC) system.
In general, some combination of locating devices, such as Eurobalise and GPS-based positioning, may be necessary to provide the full and accurate positioning for efficient operations.
Passive and Wireless IP-Balise System as a Solution for Positive Train Control and Advanced Rail Safety and Efficiency:
AVANTE developed a wireless and passive IP-Balise system that is cost effective for new or existing rail networks. The fact that the Balise device is passive and wireless means they can be installed anywhere anytime. AVANTE wireless and passive IP-Balise systems can perform the same location-based communication as traditional active Balise or Eurobalise.
Learn more about AVANTE’s wireless and passive IP-Balise system:
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Corrective Actions for Ignoring Stopping Signals
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Corrective Actions for Potential Train Collisions
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Corrective Actions for Speeding Train
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Corrective Actions for Trains Entering Work Zones
The infographic is a representation of how AVANTE patented wireless and passive IP-Balise system meets and exceeds all of the envisioned PTC system objectives. Beyond PTC system envisioned objectives, AVANTE patent-pending crossing and blind spot visibility systems add to the onboard and central control-command center operational visibility and safe rail operation.
Corrective Actions for Ignoring Stopping Signals
There are four basic functions or goals to be achieved with the Positive Train Control System. The first being to prevent train collisions because one of the trains ignored the stop signal. The PTC system automatically alerts the train engineer and take over the train control if corrective action is not followed after a warning. Following are two examples of such accidents: one due to the train engineer’s human error, and the second due to faulty signaling.
As long as the data of the locations and movements of all trains on the same track are available, the PTC information system will be able to perform the functions to inform and control the train that is ignoring the stop signal. Besides the GPS-based locating data, supplemental locating through the use of locating devices such as Eurobalise or AVANTE’s IP-Balise will function exactly the same.
2. Corrective Actions for Potential Train Collisions
The cause of train collisions due to poor visibility of other trains on the same track is the lack of complete information of trains moving along or merging into the same track. This lack of visibility is prevented if the command and control center and information system have the full visibility of the locations and movements of all trains on the same track.
Again, as long as the mechanisms and locating data are available in real-time either by accurate enhanced GPS or through a supplement of an on track locating system such as Eurobalise or AVANTE IP-Balise, PTC will be able to activate.
3. Corrective Actions for Speeding Train
Many derailments of passenger trains are caused by train engineers ignoring the speed limits either unintentionally or not following speed control. Most derailments happen around a bend of the track.
PTC Systems can easily correct this type of accident with the data of the train on the location, its moving speed, and the locational speed limit. The speed limit on any rail block and the location of the moving train can be obtained independently either with enhanced GPS or with on track locating devices.
4. Corrective Actions for Trains Entering Work Zones
The locations and moving speeds of all trains in a network are readily obtainable by the onboard PTC unit whether they are using enhanced GPS or locating devices. Thus, warning and control of the intruding train can be automatically exercised.
In case of ad hoc assignment of work crew for emergency repairs or maintenance, a mechanism for informing the oncoming train may be needed to assure safety of the workers. In this case, the ability to place the wireless and passive IP-Balise location device anytime, anywhere, with additional warning instructions to oncoming trains, may be highly beneficial.
AVANTE’s Passive and Wireless IP-Balise System as a Full-Function PTC System:
While the European Train Control System (ETCS) and US Positive Train Control (PTC) System are in the process of implementation for the Class 1 rail network, Class 2 rail networks may be able to benefit from the much lower cost and must quicker installation and implementation of AVANTE’s Wireless and Passive IP-Balise system.
The wireless and passive IP-Balise are particularly useful as supplements to those PTC systems that use GPS for locational information and command in tunnels, GPS-lacking locations, and positive affirmation of siding locations.
Being wireless and passive, AVANTE’s IP-Balise system is particularly useful for those countries that lacks adequate GPS, satellite-based location coverage, and where power and communication may be incomplete or lacking.
Above is a representation of the full function Train Control System based on AVANTE’s Passive and Wireless IP-Balise patented technology that functions the same as the European Train Control Positive Train Control System. With the advancement of 4G and 5G, wayside signaling and communication is optional for most areas.