Advanced Devices Train & Test Bed (ADT&TB)

Opportunity/Problem:

Switching operation safety can be improved considering that approximately 2,700 reportable lost time injuries occur each year, along with a few fatalities, as a result of switching-related duties.

Description:

The ADT&TB project facilitates field testing of various advanced devices such as the Electrical Power Supply System (EPSS), the Advanced Tri-Coupler, Electrically Driven Hand Brake (EDHB), Remote Controlled Angle Cock, and Remote Controlled Cut Lever. Those devices can be operated either on the side of the rail car or remotely via a wireless network of a locomotive onboard system.

Objective(s):

• Test the advanced devices to determine their functionality and durability in a revenue service like environment
• Conduct remote testing of the advanced devices with the wireless network

Rail Impact:

• Increases crew safety by eliminating the need to manually operate devices such as cut levers and angle cocks
• Reliably bring electrical power to freight vehicles for use in safety improvement applications
• Increase safety in railroad operations and reduce costs as a result of automation