Advanced low power wireless node
In railways, trackside cabling between signalling facilities and trackside sensors is a major element in the cost structure of level crossing systems. A proper solution to this problem is to use wireless communication to transmit safety-relevant data combined with autonomous powered outdoor-units. Project ALPHORN aimed at the design, implementation and evaluation of a wireless solution that integrates the following components: Power-management-module to autonomously supply the components; a novel, low-power wheel sensor-technology and a communication module for secure and safe transmission to enable SIL4.
The integration of a complete setup for field-test was established in the project. The results show the general feasibility and significant savings for the construction of level crossing protection systems as a product in the future. Transmission delays, reliability reduction and energy consumption are the negative aspects of the findings.
