GNSS: Transforming Rolling Stock technology - Teldat's Insight

In today's competitive rail industry, staying ahead means embracing cutting-edge technologies. Following our July insights on FRMCS, Teldat is now exploring another pivotal innovation: Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). This technology promises to redefine efficiency, safety, and operations in the rail sector.

Moreover, as we explained on the previous newsletter, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology can be seen as part of the FRMCS project.

It plays a crucial role in modernizing and enhancing the operations of all rolling stock within the rail industry. Trains, trams, metro, etc.

However ,before we delve into the world of GNSS, we're excited to announce that Teldat will be showcasing our latest rail technologies at INNOTRANS Berlin (September 24-27, 2024). We invite you to book a meeting with our experts at Hall 4.1, Booth 840, where we can discuss how our innovative solutions, including GNSS applications, can enhance your rail operations.

Now, let's explore how GNSS is transforming rolling stock operations, enhancing safety, and driving efficiency across the rail sector.

In this newsletter, we'll uncover why this technology is becoming indispensable for modern railway systems worldwide.

What is the definition of GNSS?

GNSS on rolling stock refers to the use of satellite-based positioning technology to track and monitor the real-time location of trains and other rolling stock. This system provides precise data on the train's position, speed, and movement, which is decisive for ensuring safety, managing rail traffic, and improving operational efficiency.

GNSS enhances automation, safety, and reduces reliance on trackside infrastructure.

So let’s understand in more detail, why GNSS plays such a crucial role within any modern rolling stock network.

Why is GNSS paramount for rolling stock?

1. Precision in Location Tracking

GNSS provides accurate and real-time location data, which is essential for monitoring the position of trains on the tracks. This precision allows better control of train movements, optimizing scheduling, and reducing delays. Accurate location tracking is also vital for avoiding collisions and managing complex rail networks, especially in busy urban areas or on shared tracks.

2. Enhanced Safety

Safety is paramount in rail transport. GNSS helps in implementing advanced safety systems like European Train Control System (ETCS) and Train Control and Management System (TCMS). These systems rely on precise location data to enforce speed limits, ensure trains stop at signals, and maintain safe distances between trains. GNSS, therefore, significantly reduces the risk of human error and accidents.

3. Improved Operational Efficiency

With GNSS, rail operators can monitor train positions in real-time, leading to more efficient use of tracks and better management of rail traffic. This results in optimized timetables, reduced energy consumption, and lower operational costs. For freight trains, GNSS can also track the movement of goods, ensuring timely deliveries and improving supply chain efficiency.

4. Integration with Digital Systems

Modern railways are increasingly relying on digital systems for automation and data analysis. GNSS data can be integrated with other digital tools, such as asset management systems and predictive maintenance platforms. This integration allows for better decision-making, predictive maintenance scheduling, and overall improved asset utilization.

5. Support for Autonomous and Remote Operations

As the rail industry explores autonomous and remotely operated trains, GNSS becomes even more critical. Autonomous trains require precise location data to navigate and operate safely without human intervention. GNSS, coupled with other sensors and control systems, forms the backbone of these future technologies.

6. Compliance with Global Standards

The use of GNSS is becoming a regulatory requirement for rail operations. For instance, the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) mandates the use of GNSS for train positioning in certain levels of its control systems. Compliance with these standards is essential for operating in international rail networks and ensuring interoperability between different rail systems.

7. Cost-Effective Infrastructure

GNSS-based systems can reduce the need for costly ground-based infrastructure like trackside signaling equipment. Since GNSS provides continuous location data directly to the trains, it diminishes the reliance on fixed infrastructure, leading to potential cost savings in both installation and maintenance.

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Artificial Intelligence within GNSS

Many of what are classified as important points for GNSS, rely on Artificial Intelligence – AI to be applied to this satellite-based positioning technology (GNSS).

Artificial Intelligence plays a decisive role in enhancing the performance of GNSS on rolling stock by improving accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. GNSS provides real-time location data for trains, which is vital for operational efficiency, safety, and automation. However, GNSS signals can be subject to disruptions due to environmental factors like tall buildings, tunnels, or dense foliage, which can reduce their accuracy. This is where AI is of vital importance.

Artificial Intelligence algorithms can process GNSS data in real time, filtering out noise, mitigating signal disruptions, and correcting positional errors. By integrating AI, GNSS can deliver more precise location data, even in challenging environments. This ensures safer train control, more accurate scheduling, and reduced risks of delays or accidents.

Furthermore, AI aids in predictive maintenance by analyzing GNSS data patterns to identify potential issues with rolling stock or track infrastructure before they cause disruptions. This leads to more proactive management of railway assets.

In autonomous or remotely operated trains, AI is essential for interpreting GNSS data, allowing the train’s control systems to make real-time decisions regarding speed, braking, and routing.

This fusion of Artificial Intelligence and GNSS technology enables smoother, safer, and more efficient rail operations overall.

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Does Cybersecurity affect GNSS?

The answer is clearly, yes! Cybersecurity is vital for GNSS in rolling stock because, GNSS data is critical for ensuring safe and efficient train operations. If cyberattackers manipulate location data, this could lead to incorrect train positions, causing accidents, delays, or disruptions in service. GNSS is normally integrated into safety-critical systems like the European Train Control System (ETCS), where precise data is essential for preventing collisions and other disasters.

Cyberattacks, such as jamming or spoofing GNSS signals, can disrupt these systems, posing significant safety risks and operational challenges.

Implementing robust cybersecurity measures protects the integrity of GNSS data, ensures the reliability of rail operations, and safeguards assets, passengers and staff, against malicious attacks or failures in increasingly digital rail environments.

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Conclusion of GNSS technology

In summary, GNSS technology is integral to the modern rail industry, offering significant benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and future-proofing rail operations. It enhances the overall reliability and performance of rolling stock, making it a cornerstone of the digital transformation in rail transport.

However, as has been explained in the previous section, the use of cybersecurity is also vital for GNSS to function correctly, offering a safe service.

Within the next couple of weeks, especially with Teldat’s presence at INNOTRANS (Berlin) in Hall 4.1 Booth 840] from 24th to 27th September 2024. Don′t miss out the opportunity to meet Teldat′s experts!

Can't make it to INNOTRANS? Stay connected and follow Teldat on LinkedIn for live updates from the event!