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Author: Livia In-Albon

We are shaping tomorrows luxury train travel!

As a partner of Arlington Fleet France (AFF), we are supporting with the developments in the “Le Grand Tour” luxury cruise train project in France.

Project Overview:

LeGrandTour aims to redefine opulence in rail travel, offering a one-week immersive journey through the picturesque landscapes of France. This Belle Époque train is taking shape thanks to the expertise of our partner AFF. It features 11 meticulously renovated coaches, with spacious and well-equipped cabins, and spectacular bar and restaurant cars.

Refurbishment Excellence:

The works carried out by AFF combines the introduction of innovative systems with the respect of the train’s original maintenance plan, in order to ensure a safe and seamless travel experience.

PROSE’s Role:

In the first phase, we formalized the data from the train’s previous operations, which were crucial to the creation of the new maintenance plan. In a second phase, we are redacting the maintenance plan and the maintenance documentation file, ensuring compliance with homologation requirements on the French network.

Collaborative Success:

Collaboration is key, and our partnership with AFF demonstrates this principle. Together, we weave a tale of luxury, reliability and excellence in rail travel.

Connect with PROSE:

Curious to know more about our contributions to transformational rail projects? Connect with PROSE to stay updated on our exciting ventures!

 

PROSE inside series: Condition Monitoring

Here comes the fourth use case of the PROSE inside series within our service engineering capabilities: Condition Monitoring

The monitoring of various critical parameters, such as load, temperature, vibration, damping etc. gives an overview regarding the bogie and wheelset condition. Sensor technology is rapidly developing and reliable measurement, same goes for data transmission, storage and analytics is all no longer a major cost factor. Once the sensors are installed on the vehicle, data is continuously collected by IoT and analyzed by data science and algorithms. In case of abnormalities, preventive actions can be taken. This improves safety and serves as foundation for maintenance optimisation.

PROSE has been involved in multiple conceptual developments for condition monitoring involving different vehicle types.

Armin Burth says: “Condition monitoring increases safety and serves as foundation for maintenance optimisation.”

We can be your solution provider. Let us know if you need condition monitoring of a vehicle.

Get inspired by https://prose.one/let-your-fleet-run/or contact Armin Burth (armin.burth@prose.one) directly.

 

Reminder: 12th IHRUS symposium

Take the opportunity to visit PROSE at the 12th IHRUS (Maintenance of Wheels and Tracks) Conference in Lucerne.

Under the motto of this year’s IHRUS symposium “Better technology through new framework conditions”, many different lectures are planned. PROSE-employee Frieder Tallafuss will also give a presentation on “Rolling Stock Maintenance of the Day After Tomorrow” together with futurist Dr. Joël Luc Cachelin. The two venture a look into the future and talk about how vehicle maintenance is influenced by trends within the society and the economic world. The presentation is intended to broaden the view from today to the day after tomorrow and to show the audience relevant changes that the entire industry is undergoing.

Subsequently, PROSE will make our findings and opinions from the industry available to interested readers in a white paper (initially available only in German).

We are looking forward to exciting presentations and discussions!

Take a look at the detailed programme here.

Reducing noise and wear

How can noise and wear be reduced to a maximum? With sensor technology and artificial intelligence (AI)!

As part of the research project funded by the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) with PROSE, BERNMOBIL, LeanBI AG and Parametric SDS for a demand-oriented railhead conditioning, the first tests were currently scheduled.  

Watch the video to see PROSE employee Felix Saur logging the experiments with the HoloLens.

 

PROSE can be your solution provider. Contact us today.

 

PROSE inside series: Reengineering

Here comes the third use case of the PROSE inside series within our service engineering capabilities: Reengineering

Reengineering of components and spare parts helps to reduce fleet maintenance costs. Parts that have to be replaced during the overhaul often result in high procurement costs. Obsolescence of spare parts can impact the fleet availability. Reengineering of components requires knowledge about design, structural calculation as well as railway standards and certification issues.

PROSE has long term experience in reengineering parts and components for bogies and rail vehicles.

Armin Burth says: “Reengineering of components and spare parts reduces maintenance costs.”

Let us know if you need to reengineer parts or components and are interested in developing repair solutions.

Get inspired by https://prose.one/let-your-fleet-run/  or contact Armin Burth (armin.burth@prose.one) directly.

 

Optimisation of the heavy overhaul program for the Tram “Cobra”

Customer: Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Development of an evaluation matrix based on the VBZ vehicle structure
  • Determining which measures are to be implemented within the framework of R3
  • Development of a project manual applicable to the project

Our Approach

PROSE develops an evaluation matrix based on the VBZ vehicle structure so that it can be determined which measures should be implemented within the framework of R3. The evaluation matrix contains criteria according to which the measures can be evaluated, including an evaluation. PROSE is developing a project manual applicable to the CR3 project. The focus is on the definition of the different phases including their objectives, duration and contents. It also explains which project participants and stakeholders should be involved, when and how, and how responsibilities should be defined.

Customer benefit

The methodology and tooling provided by PROSE in the first phase enables VBZ to efficiently plan and implement Revision 3 and the life extension measures. The evaluation matrix enables VBZ to make informed decisions about which measures should be implemented as part of R3. This helps to use resources effectively and to keep the trams in the best possible condition. The project manual is the basis for VBZ to implement the Cobra tram overhaul and service life extension project in a structured and effective way, resulting in cost savings and efficiency gains.

     

Specifications for emission-free power supply for construction sites

Customer: SBB AG, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Review and evaluation of the requirements from the specification sheet
  • Discussion and agreement of the commented requirements in a workshop
  • Identification of the requirements that require a risk assessment
  • Creation of a risk assessment
  • Transfer of the requirements into a requirements management system (ReqSuite®)
  • Individual assessment and binding of the requirements

Our Approach

PROSE has drawn up a questionnaire based on these specifications in the sense of “Does a manufacturer have sufficient information? Are the requirements sufficient for the product to be used by SBB”. PROSE checked and evaluated the requirements from the existing specification. The annotated requirements specification was discussed and agreed upon together in a workshop and the requirements requiring a risk assessment were identified. Subsequently, a risk assessment was prepared. The requirements were transferred from the developed basis into a requirements management system (ReqSuite®). The requirements were evaluated individually and given a binding nature in order to evaluate offers received in the subsequent call for tenders.

The requirements specification was then converted into a format that SBB could import into its requirements management system (Polarion®).

Customer benefit

The client received a specification sheet with comments and a supporting questionnaire that allowed him to formulate the requirements more precisely and comprehensibly. Testing, evaluation and identification of requirements that require risk consideration contribute to quality assurance and minimise potential risks in the project. The risk consideration and the binding nature of the requirements enable better preparation for the tender, which improves the quality of the incoming offers. The conversion of the requirements specification into a compatible format for SBB’s requirements management system ensures a smooth integration and use of the requirements by the customer.

 

MBS simulation – trailer load with container car

Customer: Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn AG, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Compilation and preparation of parameters for modelling and simulation
  • Determination of the braking scenario to be considered
  • Creation of a multi-body simulation model (MBS model) of the cogwheel supporting wagon to be investigated as well as of the coupled train configuration
  • Execution and evaluation of the simulation
  • Documentation in a verification report

Our Approach

PROSE is to prove by simulation that derailment safety is given with the new requirements and to develop a set of arguments that can be submitted to the BAV to adapt the driving service regulation.

In a first step, PROSE compiled all the parameters required for modelling and simulation on the basis of customer data. Subsequently, the braking scenario was determined and agreed with the customer. PROSE created the multi-body simulation model (MBS model) of the container car in the required modelling depth. The overall model of the train set included a simplified MBS model of the necessary vehicles for the combinations to be verified in addition to the carrying car to be investigated. PROSE simulated the operationally most critical cases and recorded the results and evaluation of the simulations in a verification report for the attention of the approval authority.

Customer benefit

The customer received a verification report for the approval documentation, which clearly and comprehensibly documents the mathematical proof of safety against derailment of the cogwheel carrier car. On the basis of the proof, the customer was able to obtain the adjustment of the driving service regulation from the BAV.

   

12th IHRUS symposium

You have the opportunity to meet PROSE at the 12th IHRUS (Maintenance of Wheels and Rail) symposium on Thursday, 16 November 2023 at the Verkehrshaus Lucerne.

PROSE will hold an interesting lecture about “Rolling Stock Maintenance of the Day After Tomorrow” together with the futurist Dr. Joël Luc Cachelin on the changes that are taking place in our society and in the world of business, and what impact this could have on the maintenance of rolling stock. The lecture will encourage the audience to consider the future and its opportunities and challenges within maintenance. As PROSE wants to stimulate discussion within the audience, the lecture is placed at the end of the lecture series.

Register here by 31 October 2023: www.ihrus.ch

PROSE inside series: Bogie Repair

Here comes the second use case of the PROSE inside series within our service engineering capabilities: Bogie Repair

Availability, reliability and safety of rail vehicles are impacted by damage on bogies and vehicle structures. A common reason are fatigue cracks after a certain time in service. Fatigue damage requires an understanding of the load spectra acting, as well as an analysis of the existing design by means of FEM and special fatigue assessment tools.

Collisions with obstacles, accidents and corrosion can also lead to damage which requires individual repair solutions. Appropriate repair solutions need to be developed. Effects on the manufacturing implementation are important to be considered. PROSE has long been supporting rail operators in repairing damage on bogies and vehicle structures. Suitable solutions were developed for many vehicles.   

Armin Burth says: “Engineering of repair solutions help to keep availability and reliability on a high level.”

Let us know if you need an FEM analysis of an existing design and are interested in developing repair solutions.

Get inspired by https://prose.one/let-your-fleet-run/  or contact Armin Burth (armin.burth@prose.one) directly.

PROSE inside series: Bogie Trial Dismantling

Over the next few weeks we will be publishing a series of posts on systems engineering, helping customers with maintenance engineering. PROSE-Systems Engineer Armin Burth provides insights into PROSE’s service engineering activities in this series.

Here comes the first use case of the PROSE inside series within our service engineering capabilities: Bogie Trial Dismantling

By far the largest effort in vehicle overhauls is spend for mechanical reconditioning of bogies. Therefore, the definition of the required reconditioning needs a special focus. PROSE identified that the test dismantling is the relevant step. The findings of the actual bogie condition, hence the wear generated by the effective operation, as well as its comparison with the generic reconditioning recommendation of the manufacturer, finally defines the reconditioning requirements in the dimensions of material consumption and production hours.
PROSE has repeatedly provided customers with an independent second opinion and supported operators or workshops preparing cost efficient mechanical reconditioning of bogies.

Armin Burth says: “The discrepancy between the effective wear of bogies in service and the manufacturer’s generic reconditioning  recommendation shows a high effort and material efficiency potential in bogie reconditioning.”

Let us know if you are preparing such overhauls and are interested in assessing optimisation and saving potentials!

Get inspired by: https://prose.one/let-your-fleet-run/and see how PROSE support operators and workshops or contact Armin Burth (armin.burth@prose.one) directly.

PROSE goes back to the roots

The current challenge at SBB Historic is to gradually integrate the organization and fleet management to the world of European standards. This transformation is also to be supported by the introduction of the ZEDAS maintenance software. The historical vehicles have only fragmented operating and maintenance manuals from the manufacturers (some of them no longer exist) and therefore incomplete owner specifications. 

PROSE shall support the contracting entity to develop maintenance plans for the first 14 traction units and 3-4 car fleets. These plans can partly be derived from old regulations and shall be transferred into the new maintenance concept. Furthermore, PROSE shall support the introduction of the maintenance software ZEDAS on the customer side.  

The goal of the project is a uniform and consistent maintenance plan landscape for the first vehicles of the customer to guarantee the safe, standard-compliant and efficient planning and implementation of the  maintenance measures using in-house, club and external services. 

Do you need a reliable contact for maintenance consulting? Contact us: https://prose.one/contact/

 

info@prose.one

 

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