RAILTRACK - satellite based navigation and communication technologies for railroad traffic applications

摘要

Kayser-Threde is performing an experimental study called RAILTRACK sponsored by the German Space Agency DARA, Bonn. The main task of the study is to develop and to evaluate a satellite based navigation and communication system as a control instrument for European railway organizations and their customers during the combined railroad freight transport. The RAILTRACK system is based on a master/slave concept where only one mobile master station, equipped with efficient satellite based navigation and communication technology, is installed on the freight train or the truck. The mobile slaves will be low cost, low power, small units which can easily be installed on containers or wagons in order to report identification and status to the dedicated master station. A further element of the system concept is a control station for the railway organization and the forwarding agency. Status and position data will be transferred via INMARSAT-C or a terrestrial radio network to the control stations, where it is displayed alphanumerically and graphically in digital maps. The mobile stations transfer the data in timely fixed intervals, after a dedicated event (alarm message) or upon request from the control station. First system tests will be performed now in Germany and Italy, and further test drives will follow at the end of this year and next year mainly in Eastern-European countries. The submitted paper describes fundamental requirements imposed by railroad organizations and forwarding agencies; the RAILTRACK system concept in detail; the first test results; and finally our experience with the used hardware/software components (GPS/GLONASS receiver, INMARSAT C terminal, power supply with solar panel, control station software with digital maps). Also a future outlook will be given with recommendations for the optimization of the system and its adaptation to different applications.