The Objective
The Spectrail project will develop a set of distributed self-powered discrete sensors that will interface with existing trackside optical fibre infrastructure providing telemetry over 15 km of fibre. Impact – Demonstration of an intelligent infrastructure that is low-cost, fast to fit, maintenance-free and can incorporate multiple sensing technologies at lower total cost of ownership with minimum disruption to the rail line.
Partners
AP Sensing | CSA Catapult | Lightricity | Pyreos | Network Rail
The Outcome
Industry lead by AP Sensing, incorporating 5 partners
Efficient: will reduce delays due to copper cable theft currently at 50-60,000 hours per year = 42 days per year
Expansive: will be implemented across 18,000km of overhead fibre cables
Field trials at Network Rail Melton in February-March 2020
Predict-and-prevent maintenance strategy across many asset types, which can be passed directly to rail users.
Less disruption to travel due to intelligent rail technology
More efficient way to maintain tracks and rail assets
CSA Catapult’s involvement in the project will be sensor integration and data transmission.
