Tag: Vehicle Authorisation

Vehicle Authorisation – Our solutions

Authorisation support for the installation of a Speed-Sensing system

2024-01-28

Customer: Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, Switzerland

Project tasks

Review of the planned changes
Scheduling
Assessment of the changes according to risk assessment norm RTE 49100
Preparation of documents and expert assessment reports for submission to the Federal Rail Authority

Our Approach

The aim is to support the Gornergrat Railway by taking over the following activities:

Review of the planned modification based on the draft schematics, drawings and descriptions prepared by the Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway
Preparation of a schedule for the authorisation procedure
Provision of the documents for authorisation to the Swiss Federal Rail Authority (FOT)
- Assessment of the changes in accordance with risk assessment regulation RTE 49100
- Preparation and submission of all documents required for authorisation by FOT
- Preparation of an expert report on the speed-sensing system

Customer benefit

PROSE’s support ensures that the authorisation process runs smoothly and promptly. This leads to an accelerated execution of the refit project. Reviewing the planned modifications based on draft schematics, drawings, and descriptions from the Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway ensures that the modifications meet the highest quality standards. The provision of all necessary documents for authorisation by the FOT, including the risk assessment per RTE 49100, ensures that all regulatory requirements are met. The preparation of an expert report on the speed sensing system promotes trust between the Gornergrat Railway and the relevant authority, as the technical aspects of the modifications are documented in detail and professionally.

Aerodynamics simulation (CFD)

2023-11-08

Customer: Various customers

Project tasks

During the development process or during modernisation, aerodynamic influences such as crosswind or vehicle air conditioning of a vehicle must be assessed. Often the final verification requires investigations in a wind tunnel or climatic wind tunnel. However, CFD (Computational fluid dynamics) simulations are ideal for an initial assessment and optimisation, as they generally provide reliable results at significantly lower cost.

Analyses:

Crosswind stability (aero-dynamic coefficients and wind characteristics curves) according to EN 14067-6
Climatic studies and thermal comfort

Our Approach

Crosswind assessment according to EN 14067-6

The EN 14067-6 provides for the evaluation of crosswind with aerodynamic coefficients, which can be obtained either by wind tunnel tests or by CFD simulations. PROSE can determine these coefficients by CFD simulations and derive characteristic wind curves. The influence of the vehicle design on the crosswind stability can be considered in the design phase. In the case of changes to the vehicle exterior shape during conversions, the influence can be assessed and in the case of minor changes, proof of crosswind stability can also be provided.

Investigation of vehicle air conditioning

CFD simulations allow first estimations for climatic-technical investigations according to European standards, which are based on tests in the climatic wind tunnel. An optimisation with CFD simulations within the scope of the design of the air conditioning system generates additional safety and can avoid costly adjustments and repetitions of measurements in the climatic wind tunnel.

Customer benefit

PROSE can support you during the development process or during a modernisation with CFD simulations to reduce costs and risks of wind tunnel and climatic wind tunnel tests.

MBS simulation – trailer load with container car

2023-11-01

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.

Assistance to the project owner for the renewal of contracts for the regional interurban public transport network

2023-10-13

Customer: Région SUD , France

Project tasks

Project management
Provision of techno-commercial advice

Our Approach

Background: In the context of the evolution of the future scope of scheduled services, and considering the adoption of the Law of 24 December 2019, “Orientations des Mobilités”, the Transport Organizing Authority (AOT), the Southern Region defines its service offering.
The Region needed to strengthen these capacities in the face of the procedures for renewing contracts for the regional interurban public transport network in the Alpes de Haute-Provence region and the reorganisation of the Regional Express Lines in the areas concerned.

Approach: PROSE joined forces as a consortium to respond to this call for tenders. The consortium, led by the company Trans-missions, is made up of PROSE for its expertise in rolling stock, but also Tractebel for the infrastructure part.

Customer benefit

PROSE is supporting the South Region in the preparation, development and negotiation of a new operating agreement with SNCF Voyageurs. Our profound expertise in rolling stock empowers us to provide valuable advice for enhancing the terms of the operational monitoring contract. We focus on critical aspects such as reliability clauses, availability assurances, and proactive obsolescence monitoring. In the field of maintenance, PROSE’s expertise is made available for an accurate assessment of the advertised costs.

In the pursuit of the opening of regional passenger rail lines to competition, PROSE provides technical assistance on the new calls for tenders to come., Our technical expertise is poised to address critical areas, including:

ERTMS installation
Rolling stock maintenance
Sustainable development
Technical sizing of maintenance and siding sites, etc.

Re-design studies of the PRIMA BB27000 and BB37000 locomotives

2023-10-13

Customer: AKIEM, France

Project tasks

Pre-studies (feasibility study and budget estimate on different topics)
Electrical and mechanical integration studies
Replacement of the headlights with LED headlights
Integration of a socket with USB ports in the driver’s cab.
Modification of existing circuit diagrams
Design of integration plans and schemes
Creation of an operating and an assembly manual
Budget estimate to modify the entire PRIMA fleet of AKIEM
Supply of prototype parts and support for its integration
Carrying out the procedure and the test report
Updating of documents after the integration of the prototype and the realisation of tests, if necessary
Provision of the purchase specifications of the parts for the series
Impact assessment of the amendment

Our Approach

To carry out all pre-studies and studies, PROSE has set up an internal organisation:

Project Manager / Coordinator
Electrical Engineers
Mechanical Design Engineer
Expert in change impact analysis

PROSE worked in collaboration with AKIEM to provide the best possible solution in the shortest possible lead time.

Customer benefit

Thanks to our expertise in the field of rolling stock and our engineering department with its various competence centres, PROSE was able to offer our best services to propose modifications and carry out innovations on the locomotives.

Strength analysis (FEA simulation)

2023-09-14

Customer: various customers

Project tasks

Development of verification concepts and load assumptions as well as performance of calculations and simulations for:

Car bodies according to e.g. EN 12663
Bogies and wheelsets according to e.g. EN 13749, EN 13261
Streetcars and metros according to VDV 152
Attachment parts according to EN 61373
General load assumptions from calculations, measurements and simulations for e.g. special vehicles

Static, fatigue and time strength assessment:

Base material and weld seams according to FKM Guideline
Fatigue of steel according to Eurocode 3 DIN EN 1993-1-9 and BS 7608
Weld seam evaluation according to DVS 1612 / DVS 1608 and IIW recommendation
Screw connection according to DIN 25202:1-6, VDI 2230 and Eurocode 3 DIN EN 1993-1-8
Cylindrical helical spring according to EN 13906

Further analyses:

Nonlinear and crash analyses
Heat transfer analyses
Topological optimizations
Eigenvalue analyses
Stability analyses
Damage analyses and repair solutions

Our Approach

Depending on the customer’s specifications, PROSE carries out strength analyses in parallel with the design in its own development team or works directly with the customer’s team. PROSE covers the entire range of the analysis from the development of the load assumptions to the modelling to the efficient execution of the calculations and simulations as well as the evaluation of the results. Based on the strength analyses, PROSE can prepare test specifications for structural tests, accompany tests and, if required, validate the strength model with the evaluation. PROSE engineers have interdisciplinary know-how also in non-railway specific problems. Furthermore, PROSE also takes over the coaching of simulation processes and supports as a neutral consultant.

Customer benefit

Through the early use of strength analyses in the design process, weak points are identified and eliminated at an early stage, costly test series are avoided and the quality of the product is decisively improved. In addition to a qualified calculation, PROSE attaches great importance to the interpretation and presentation of the results required for the customer, including explanations and, if necessary, documentation relevant for approval. Due to its great flexibility, PROSE can respond to customer requests at very short notice

ATO GoA2 over ETCS and national Class B Systems Requirements Capture and Approval Risks Analysis

2023-07-07

Customer: Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Netherlands

Project tasks

Vehicle Authorisation Management and Strategy
Operational concepts
Automatic Train Operation (ATO)
Requirements Analysis
Roll out Concept

Our Approach

PROSE analysed possible risks in the homologation and deployment of ATO GoA2 over ATB via STM-Module and analysed the requirements for ATO out of the TSI CCS and TSI OPE. Through analysing project risks concerning existing standards, approval processes and the target architecture, PROSE provided an in-depth analysis proposing a vehicle authorisation approach that covers the overall system level and the changes to the technical and operational subsystems. Besides an approval concept, PROSE provided a roll-out approach for ATO that mitigates safety risks related to Human-Machine-Interface.

Customer benefit

NS benefits from PROSE’s in-depth analysis and concept as an independent second opinion and the adaptation of experiences gained in other ATO projects. Due to the extensive overall system knowledge, PROSE was able to consider all relevant subsystems of railway operation and technology and deliver an NS-aligned approach.

Approval support snow blower zb

2023-07-07

Customer: ZAUGG AG Eggiwil, Switzerland

Project tasks

Proof of derailment, restriction and strength
Expert reports on fire protection, derailment and restriction

Our Approach

The AB-EBV requires a proof of compliance with the reference line. For this proof, PROSE has prepared a restriction calculation according to EN 15273-2:2013 as well as an independent expert report. The front and side windows are glued to the cabin of the snow blower. ZAUGG is not certified according to DIN 6701, but will have the bonding work carried out by an external company. PROSE has been commissioned to provide proof of strength for the two A1 bondings. In addition, the AB-EBV requires an expert report on the fire protection concept, which has been prepared by PROSE experts. PROSE has also provided the proof of derailment safety according to the BAV guideline “Nachweis sicheres Fahrverhalten Meterspur-, Spezialspur- und Zahnradbahnen”, as well as an independent expert report.

Customer benefit

PROSE’s expertise in the topics of verification as well as its comprehensive knowledge made it possible to use independent experts for the preparation of the expert report. For this reason, time was saved and ZAUGG was able to submit the required documents to the BAV on time.

Development Connection Magnetic Rail Brake Locomotive Gmf 4/4

2023-07-07

Customer: Rhätische Bahn, Switzerland

Project tasks

Geometric investigations
Risk analysis with expert opinion
Rough and detailed concept
Clearance verification (gauging)
Strength verification
Approval support

Our Approach

In the first phase, PROSE, as the developer of the motor bogie, was commissioned by the RhB with a geometric investigation, which showed that the possibility of slippage of the MTR in unfavourable situations could not be excluded. In a second phase, PROSE prepared an expert opinion describing under which conditions (operational, system characteristics, etc.) safe operation with the four service traction units Gmf 4/4 can be guaranteed until the completion of the conversion. This statement is intended as a basis for an RhB-internal risk assessment. In the last phase, PROSE developed a rough and detailed concept with gauging (clearance) and strength verification for a cross connection of the MTR arranged on both sides of the engine bogie of the locomotive Gmf 4/4. In addition, PROSE supported the customer in preparing the documents relevant for approval according to the regulation RTE 49100.

Customer benefit

Due to the detailed system knowledge of the bogie and the contribution of expertise in connection with the safety-relevant operation, the customer was able to remedy the malfunction with the most efficient measures possible. PROSE’s competence in vehicle authorisation also helped the client to submit the required documents to the Federal Office of Transport FOT in due time.

Fire protection, LCC and FMECA for water cannons

2023-07-06

Customer: Vogt AG, Switzerland

Project tasks

Acquisition of input data
Fire protection analysis
LCC analysis
Failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA)

Our Approach

PROSE has created the fire protection analysis and the corresponding fire protection material list for VOGT. Furthermore, input data were collected for LCC and FMECA analyses. These data were inserted in the project-specific templates. As a result, documents were created according to the specifications of the end customer.

Customer benefit

PROSE has taken responsibility for VOGT to provide the correct input data for Fire Protection, LCC, and FMEC analyses and to create the documents by the end-customer accepted quality. This relieved VOGT of tasks that are outside their core business.

Computational evidence of derailment safety for rack railway wagons

2023-07-06

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 rack railway container wagon to be investigated, as well as of the coupled train configuration
Execution and evaluation of the simulation
Documentation in an evidence report

Our Approach

At first, PROSE compiled all parameters required for modelling and simulation based on the customer’s data. Subsequently, the braking scenario relevant to the approval was determined and agreed upon with the customer. PROSE created the rack railway container wagon’s multi-body simulation model (MBS model) in the required modelling depth. The overall model of the train included a simplified MBS model of a flat wagon and the already at PROSE existing model of an HGe 4/4 II locomotive. PROSE simulated the most critical operational cases and documented the results and assessment of the simulations in an evidence report for the approval authority.

Customer benefit

The customer received an evidence report for the approval documentation, which clearly and comprehensibly documents the computational proof of the safety against the derailment of the rack railway container wagon. Based on the evidence, the customer received the approval for the wagon.

Modernisation of 135 Interregio coaches for operator Flixtrain

2023-04-10

Customer: Talbot Services GmbH, Germany

Project tasks

Creation of mechanical conversion
Preparation of circuit diagrams
Adaptation of air conditioning concept
Integration of new toilets
Integration of luggage racks
Certification support
Certification calculations
Mass management
Fire protection
Strength analysis

Our Approach

The Arkimbz, WRmbz, ABimdz, Bimdz and Bimz wagons were modernized, in following phases: starting-, initial-, planning, production- and execution phase. Finally the type test phase concluded the work.

Customer benefit

As a strategic engineering partner, PROSE was already able to convince the customer Flixtrain in the offer phase. When it came to the engineering work, you could rely on the skills of PROSE and thus focus on the conversion of the vehicles.