On the development of a full-scale Repoint Light track switch

摘要

Repoint Light is a novel concept for track switching under development at Loughborough University. This engineering solution is designed to meet the set of functional requirements for track switching panels, in addition to offering several features that traditional designs are unable to achieve. The objective of the current phase of the Repoint project is to advance the Repoint Light concept from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-4 to TRL7. TRL7 is defined by RSSB, the funding organisation as a 'prototype technology system in an operational railway environment'; i.e. a functioning Repoint Light switch deployed in a suitable test environment, integrated with signalling/power and able to accept train movements. This work focuses on the description of engineering challenges faced when introducing the concept into its real operating environment.