Based on the company's Generator Sensor Bearing (GSB), Schaeffler has developed a Train Support System.

This novel, onboard unit enables information to be recorded relating to the condition of bearings, wheelsets and rail tracks, and to then transmit this information to a higher-level control system.

This evaluated data forms the basis for maintenance and repair decisions, and is also critical for railway supervisory systems, as well as for online timetable generation, routing, process and risk analysis, and localisation.

Germany's Center for Transportation and Logistics Neuer Adler eV (CNA) recently recognised the Train Support System with this year's Intelligence for Transportation and Logistics innovation award.

The Train Support System is based on Schaeffler's FAG axlebox bearing, which can be used with an integrated GSB as a self-sufficient energy source in rail freight wagons.

Schaeffler developed the system electronics and software and then integrated these in the GSB, forming an onboard unit.

Used in combination with an information management system, the GSB enables line operators and rail companies to improve track safety while optimising freight logistics.

A range of signals are recorded in the GSB and transmitted to a central computer via GPS.

The evaluated data forms the basis for rail-supervision systems, as well as online timetable generation, routing, process and risk analysis, localisation and length of retention.

Similar to a dynamo, the GSB induces the required electric power via the rotational movement of permanent magnets located on the wheel axle.

This power is typically around 100W at a nominal voltage of 24V.

Therefore, an independent, self-sufficient energy source is available, which, via an electric storage unit, enables additional functions, such as the automatic opening of train doors or the detection of switches and sensors.

For the Train Support System, Schaeffler has now refined the GSB with a sophisticated electronic system into an onboard unit and connected this with a higher-level information-management system.

So the signals are not only recorded and processed in the bearing, but are also transmitted via GPS satellite technology.

The sensors integrated in the bearing not only record data on the condition of the axlebox bearing, such as wear or excessive heat, but also determine and monitor characteristics such as mileage, speed, temperature and noise, which enables conclusions to be made about the condition of wheels, bogies and rail tracks.

This means that even the condition of butt joints and switches in the rail network can be monitored.

The evaluation of the data recorded in the bearing also enables the monitoring and optimisation of traffic and goods flow, as well as wagon availability, location tracking and the calculation of track utilisation costs, taking into account the loads, number of axles, time and distance.

There are plans for the Train Support System to be integrated in the European Train Control System (ETCS), designed for European rail traffic.

Initial tests are currently being conducted with Finnish Rail.

In addition to GPS data collection, the entire logistics chain can now be analysed.

Transported goods are tracked via satellite and this knowledge of their current

whereabouts enables optimised utilisation of routes and containers or freight wagons.

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