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Rail signal device

Rail signal device

RBC

Radio Block Center

The Radio Block Center(RBC) is a device that controls a block section by exchanging train location and operation information in real time using wireless communication, preventing collisions between trains and supporting safe operation.

1. Definition(Purpose and Research Objectives)

ERTMS/ETCS Train Control System

  1. The roll of RBC in ERTMS/ETCS
    - Provide information to train for safe operation
    - Monitor train movement
    - Control train speed and activate safety system
    (ERTMS: European Rail Traffic Management System, ETCS: European Train Control System, RBC: Radio Block Centre)

  2.  RBC exchanges information with trains via radio communications and is responsible for movement authority, safety secure

Main Functions 
of RBC

  1. Movement Authority (MA)
    RBC sends movement authority that allows the train to proceed to the next block based on the train's location, speed, and other information

  2. Safety Function
    RBC ensures the safety of the train by operating the safety devices when the speed of the train exceeds the speed limit or in dangerous situation

  3. Train Monitoring
    RBC monitors the train’s location, speed, and status. In case abnormal conditions is detected, RBC sends warning or manage necessary action

  4. Radio Comunication
    RBC exchanges information with the train using radio communication. This radio communication is the main functions of the ETCS system

Importance of 
RBC

RBC is an essential device for safe and efficient train operations in the ETCS system.

Information 
Exchange between 
RBC and Train 
(Radio Communication)

RBC → EVC (Train)

    - Movement Authority, Temporary Speed Restriction, Danger Warning, etc.


EVC (Train) → RBC

    - Location, Current Speed, Status, etc.

2. KTCS(Korean Train Control System) Definition

KTCS System Description

KTCS is a Korean Train Control System established as a national standard. KTCS is based on radio communication and is specifically designed for different types of railway lines such as Common Lines (KTCS-1), High-speed Lines (KTCS-2/3) and Urban Railways (KTCS-M).

KTCS-2/3 RBC

RBC in KTCS stands for Radio Block Center. RBC is a trackside unit which transmits necessary commands to the train based on the received information such as the train location, speed, and surrounding conditions.

Main functions 
of RBC

  1. Collect Train Information: Determines the current status of the train by receiving train's position, speed, etc
  2. Manage Block Sections: Manages block sections to maintain safe distances between trains and ensure safe passage
  3. Transmit Control Command: Determines train speed, stop positions, and departure. And sends control command to the train
  4. Manage Signals: Detects communication errors with the train and takes actions to ensure safe operation

3. Research Area

ERTMS/ETCS 
based RBC 
Development

  1. ERTMS/ETCS System Version 3.0 RBC Research and Development
  2. Perform CCS TSI Interoperability Test

Standardization 
of Inter-Signal 
Interface with 
EULYNX/KRLYNX

KTCS-2/3 
RBC Development

  1. KTCS-2 Development, Performance Verification, and Pilot Project Completion (SIL4 GA Certification)
  2. KTCS-2 Gyeongbu High Speed Line
  3. KTCS-3 RBC Performance Verification Project (2021~2025.06)

4. Expected Effects

  1. Increase Interoperability: Built to ERTMS/ETCS and KTCS standard technical specifications to provide interoperability with a variety of standards-based systems and manufacturers' products
  2. Improve Train Operation Safety: Ensures safe train operation by monitoring the train’s location and status in real time
  3. Increase Operational Efficiency: Manage block sections more efficiently by utilizing more accurate position information than track circuit methods
  4. Reduce Trackside Equipment: Reduce the need for trackside units by using systems on the train instead of track circuits and lower maintenance costs
  5. High-Speed Data Processing via Radio Communication: Exchange data with trains through radio communication and handles data transmission between trackside units in real time to ensure safe operation
  6. Security: Apply encryption technology to ensure reliable and secure data transmission

ATO

Automatic Train Operation

The ATO, which stands for Automatic Train Operation, is a system that provides high energy efficiency by calculating the optimal train speed for the train to stop at the exact expected arrival time based on given data.

1. Definition (Purpose and Research Scope)

Overview

  1. In ERTMS, ATO is a computer-based system which automatically controls Towing/Braking, Starting, Acceleration, Non-powered driving, Deceleration, Stopping, and Door operation.
  2. ATO is one of the subsystems of the ERTMS system which replaces train driver behavior and enable automated train operation.

    (ERTMS: European Rail Traffic Management System, ATO: Automatic Train Operation)

ATO System Overview

  1. Roll of ATO
    ATO automatically performs tasks which is operated by the driver, such as Traction/Braking, Speed control, and Door operation, enabling safe and efficient train operation management.

  2. Relation with ERTMS
    ERTMS is a standard system for European rail operation and ATO is one of the main functions in the standard.

  3. Difference between ATO and ATP
    ATP is a safety system that provides a safety interval between trains and manage on when to stop. ATO automatically performs actual operation of the train (acceleration, deceleration, stop, etc.).
    (ATP: Automatic Train Protection)

  4. Pros of ATO
    Automated train operations reduces the load for the drivers, increase safety by reducing human error and improve train operational efficiency.

  5. Domestic Application
    ERTMS/ETCS ATO function was introduced by Korea Railroad Corporation through the second stage of KTCS-3 performance verification project. Performed the performance verification for 'KTCS-2 + ATO' and 'KTCS-3 + ATO'

2. Research Area

  1. Automatic Train Operation (ATO) technology included in the next-generation Korean Train Control System (KTCS-3), currently being developed as a national R&D project, is under development and testing (performance verification)
  2. ATO developed as Automation 2 (GoA2), enables the train to depart automatically with a single click by the driver. Also adjusts speed by accelerating and decelerating according to track conditions (Maximum speed / Temporary Speed Restriction) and automatically stops at the destination.
  3. Advance the ATO to ATO (R1.0.0) officially released in ETCS Baseline 4

KTCS ATO Performance Test

3. Expected Effects

  1. KTCS-3 ATO (Automatic Driving) technology has various expected effects such as preventing non-stop driving accidents, reducing running time, improvement on energy efficiency, and reducing running costs.
    In particular, KTCS-3 ATO is expected to bring economic benefits as it saves up to 12% of energy compared to the existing manual driving method.

  2. Main Expected Effects
        - Prevent Non-stop Driving Accident: ATO increases safety by preventing non-stop driving accidents caused by human error
        - Reduce Running Time: Accelerate and decelerate accurately to the timetable set by the ATO to reduce driving time
        - Improve Energy Efficiency: ATO is expected to reduce energy and deliver 12% energy savings compared to manual operation by creating optimal speed profiles
        - Reduce Running Costs: Reduce operational costs by increasing energy efficiency and safety
        - Improve Safety: ATOincreases safety by providing accurate and consistent driving without human error
        - Enhance K-Rail Technology: KTCS-3 ATO technology was developed with domestic expertise, contributing to entry into the global market. In addition, KTCS-3’s ATO enables more efficient train operations by reducing train headways compared to the existing fixed-block system.

SVPS

Signal Violation Prevention System

The Signal Violation Prevention System(SVPS) is a system aiming to enhance safety by preventing secondary accidents in advance by warning the driver of signal violation, at the same time applying the emergency brakes and furthermore stopping nearby trains when the driver overruns a stop signal while driving in Staff Responsible Mode at the depot.

Features

  1. Applicable to both existing and new depots regardless of current ground signal systems by using an axle detection method.
  2. Reduced operational costs with significantly lower maintenance expenses compared to foreign systems.
  3. Wireless communication alerts all trains in the depot upon a signal violation, effectively preventing secondary accidents.
  4. Preemptive overspeed warnings through speed detection enhance accident prevention and strengthen train operation safety.

Configuration

Functions

  1. System Configuration
    The system consists of an axle detection device, signal violation detection device, ground wireless device, and onboard interface device.
    [Subject to agreement based on monitoring locations, number of operating vehicles, and depot environment]

  2. Axle Monitoring Capacity
    Each signal violation detection device can monitor up to 32 locations.

  3. Axle Detection Method
    Non-contact detection of train axle presence
    Detection of train direction and speed (up to 40 km/h)

  4. Signal Violation Detection Performance
    Within 0.3 seconds

  5. Signal Violation Notification Method
    Wireless communication using 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band

Applications

  1. Axle Detection-Based Signal Violation Prevention System at Depots and Turnback Sections
  2. Train Detection System for Track Circuit-Free Sections
  3. Train Occupancy Detection System for Switch Sections in Wireless-Based Train Control Systems
  4. Axle Detection-Based Train Approach Warning System in Tunnels or Level Crossings