GoA 3 Explained - Driverless Train Operation (DTO)
Basic GoA2 automation is the ability to control propulsion and braking based on the conditions of the track ahead. Achieving this level of automation is a significant accomplishment but it is not enough for a modern urban transit system.
The next step is to increase the level of trackside/platform awareness and control, which brings us to the next Grade of Automation, GoA 3.
A GoA3 system is aware of its surroundings along the track.
Trackside devices installed along the track detect obstacles that may obstruct train movement such as tunnel ventilation doors or work crews performing maintenance at track level. These devices connect to a wayside unit that sets the movement authority for all trains.
Another approach is for the train to “look” ahead and determine if there are any obstructions along the track. On-board devices such as?LIDAR map the track ahead and identify potential hazards or obstructions in front, which the train uses to determine if it will slow down or stop altogether.
At the platform, a GoA 3 system must monitor for unauthorized opening of platform doors and/or the activation of platform emergency stop devices and?create a protection zone if either occurs.
There are several GoA3 CBTC based systems around the world because this level of automation provides operators with control over the train, aware of trackside hazards and control over the platform.
The following video provides more details of the functions that define a GoA 3 based system.
Naeem Ali - CBTC Solutions
I help improving railway performance and capacity through advanced digital signalling (CBTC and enhanced ETCS).
2 年As much as I generally appreciate the education of a wider audience about different Grades of Automation, I need to challenge the claim in this post that GoA2 is "not enough". There are numerous metro railways who cannot or want not go above GoA2 for good reasons, mainly to do with safety in an environment where the railway cannot be sufficiently quarantined against external influences. Prominent examples include London Underground (most lines) and Hong Kong, to name just two. Discounting GoA2 as generally inferior to GoA3/4 is misleading and may discourage railways from utilising the signifincany automation benefits that GoA2 has over a legacy 'baseline' of GoA0/1.
Retired
2 年Hi Naeem - is the statement “The majority of CBTC based systems around the world are GoA 3 ……” correct? I would have though the majority were either GoA 2 or GoA 4 (unattended), with relatively few at GoA 3 (driverless but attended), but maybe you have more updated information than I have. Best regards.