Jakub Młyńczak

Analysis of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in Public Transport of Upper Silesia

This article presents several examples of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) with special attention paid to systems supporting the development of public transport in the area of the Metropolitan Association of Upper Silesia (Polish Gornośląski Związek Metropolitarny - GZM). The GZM is an inter-commune association of a group of cities lying within the area of the Metropolitan Association of Upper Silesia and Zaglebie Dąbrowskie. Almost 2 million people live in the GZM area and the gross product in this area amounts to 8% of the gross domestic product.

Research on Dynamics of Shunting Locomotive During Movement on Marshalling Yard by Using Prototype of Remote Control Unit

The paper refers to presentation on 13th International Conference on Dynamical Systems Theory and Applications. The discussion of such wide group of scientists allowed to extend the paper and presents some new results. The processes conducted on marshalling yard generate a lot of movement with many direction and speed changes which generate different dynamic forces. In the course of shunting of train, there are large range of activities performed that enable observation of multiple dynamic phenomena under relatively advantageous conditions. Thus the main focus of the research was to test possibilities of developed remote measurement system. Also algorithm of analysis was developed and implemented as software into control unit. The paper discussed both the concept and the application of a simple method of remote supervision of shunting runs using mobile devices enabling observation and recording of chosen dynamic parameters of a rail vehicle. The paper presents result of linear accelerations of vibration in 3 axes and speed occurring in the course of the shunting locomotive’s operation and also current physical position and altitude above sea level. Such a simple measuring system allows for monitoring of basic physical parameters of shunting operations performed by the shunting engine driver.

Assessment of the Safety of Microprocessor-Based Semi-automatic Block Signalling System

Qualitative assessment of the railway traffic control system is necessary to ensure railway traffic safety. According to CENELEC standards all railway applications are obliged to conduct RAMS (reliability, availability, maintainability and safety) analysis. This process should include the actions associated with design, production, installation, verification, as well as validation and the acceptance of the system. In this paper a safety analysis for the microprocessor-based semi-automatic block signalling was described. Provided analysis allows stating, if the risk is acceptable (and so further analysis is not necessary). If not, then additional protection measures should be implemented in order to keep the hazard and associated risk at an acceptable level. Methodology accepted in this analysis can be used for the evaluation of safety factors for other electronic railway traffic control systems.

European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)

The article presents information about the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). This system is one of important components ensuring interoperability of the European rail system. The structure of the ERTMS has been discussed and its individual components have been described. Train control systems (TCS) are used in many countries in the world. However, for a long time, those were mostly national systems used in individual countries. The system is being implemented in individual European countries (as well as outside Europe), but it will take many years to reach full interoperability of the European rail system. Rail traffic management is an important element of rail transport systems. It contributes considerably to ensuring the expected quality and efficiency of rail services while retaining the required traffic safety level. To meet contemporary safety requirements and growing user expectations, rail traffic management systems are based on technologically and functionally advanced IT solutions. The strategic management system harmonizes all technical and organizational actions to ensure the assumed quality and the required level of rail traffic safety in the respective area. Of course, the ERTMS is not a system used only in Europe (the European Union) but also outside the EU and Europe. The ERTMS is an example of ITS system in rail traffic. It can be noticed that the ITS implementation only shows very good establishment of requirements for the system within the entire European Union. It is the standard best described within the ITS. There are no such accurate guidelines for the entire traffic control and management system in road traffic.

Computer Analysis of the Setting Force

The article presents the topic of computer analysis of setting force measurements in the railway switch drive-crossover system. Two algorithms for determining the setting force value have been discussed. The results presented are the effect of work on the implementation of a method for determining the setting force value in electronic measurement devices for common use.

A Case Analysis of Electrical Energy Recovery in Public Transport

In the past few years the interest in electrical energy recovery process in the traction systems has significantly grown. At the same time, the number of devices designed for this system and a modern traction rolling stock, with the ability of regenerative braking, has gone up. Despite the huge interest in this topic, there are still problems in implementing new technologies. The cause of this lies in different exploitation conditions of each of the implemented solutions. Achieving highest electrical energy recovery indicators without the occurrence of negative side effects and with lowest financial outlays can be a problem. Because of these reasons, one should continue to analyze various cases of using the process of energy recovery and draw general conclusions. The authors of this work have presented the results of the analysis of energy consumption and recovery process in public tram traction system. Measuring data for units without and with the ability for regenerative braking has been analyzed. Results, with reference to various types of vehicles and different manners of driving have been presented. In the summary, the authors have given conclusions arising from the conducted research.

Algorithm Determining the Setting Force at Point Machines

This paper is an attempt to develop a precise algorithm determining the value of the setting force. This is extremely essential for telematic and diagnostic measuring systems. What makes the task difficult is that no method, which determines the value of the setting force, has been defined so far. Although it is understandable what kind of force it is, there are some misunderstanding and doubt as to its definition and the determination of its value. As manufacturers of point machines define the same concept differently as well, the task is not easier. Frequently, instead of the setting force, slipping of the switch coupling is mentioned.

Theoretical and Practical Investigations of Railway Switch Drives

The paper shows an exemplary process of the investigation of a switch drive for the compliance with the Polish requirements. The study is aimed to propose a procedure and clarify the requirements for switch drives. The switch drive is a system which regulates and governs directly the safety of the transportation of people and goods. The lack of explicitly expressed requirements is the source of the problems and the difficulties in the process of the approval to use and the use itself of switch drives. During the research process should also be forecast the application of telematics solutions.

Road Traffic Scene Acquisition

The article describes how specifically a road traffic scene is perceived by traffic participants. Every vehicle driver perceives a road traffic scene slightly differently, even though they are all obliged to follow a set of identical regulations. Normative (imposed by the law) behaviours of each driver are accompanied by other behaviours which, when combined, affect quality and safety of traffic. In both categories of behaviours, i.e. normative and other, there are differences that can and should be studied. On account of the broad range of problems, the article outlines selected aspects of the subject in question. The observations provided in the article are based on a study of vehicle drivers using an eye tracking device. Tests were performed near railway intersections. The observations discussed in the paper are of preliminary nature, which is due to the small size of the test sample resulting from the testing method used.

Quality of Electrical Energy Power Supply of Railway Traffic Control Devices

The aim of this article was to present an analysis of the quality of electrical energy power supply of railway traffic control devices. The railway traffic control devices belong to a very important group of systems, which role is to assure railway traffic safety. The article focuses mainly on showing problems connected to power supply failure rate and the quality of energy supplied. Within the period of 2 years, a statistical analysis of the power supply failures was performed, also measurements of electrical energy quality parameters in chosen power supply system points were taken. The measurements were performed using the EN50160 norm. In the conclusion, proposals regarding raising reliability and quality of electrical power supply of railway traffic control systems were presented.