Smart Sensor Technology For Rail Network health Hawk Measurement Systems

Track Intrusion Detection The optical fibre sensor can detect vibration (dynamic strain change) and static strain change (pressure) along a railway track, detecting intrusion events and their location on the track. Therefore the central station or driver can be warned in advance and take action to avoid an accident.

Rail Vehicle Detection The optical fibre sensor can detect mechanical defects on a rail car from the acoustic frequency spectrum and waveform. Comparison of sound characteristics can locate damage to a wheel in the early stages before a major failure can occur. These sensors can also give reliable and weather independent information about speed and distance of rail vehicles.

Railway Track Health The optical fibre sensor can detect deformed sections of railway track and the location of the deformation. Therefore the necessary warnings and alerts can be issued ahead of time. It also detects and generates alerts for rock fall, land slip, bridge and tunnel collapse/strike.

Level Crossing Safety The optical fibre sensor could detect whether the function of level crossing is normal and can give a warning if there is a malfunction or potential hazard on the tracks.

Optical Sensors Improve Railway Safety Case A string of fiber-optic sensors running along a 36-km stretch of high-speed commuter railroad lines connecting Hong Kong to mainland China. The sensors can detect potential problems like excessive vibrations, mechanical defects or speed and temperature anomalies. It saves the rail company about $250,000 every year in maintenance costs. However the sensor is Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor and point sensor, and this type is expensive for long distance detection.

Fibre Optic Sensing Distributed sensor can continuously monitor vibration, strain and temperature on structural elements of the rail networks for the entire length of optical fibre. Fibre optic cable is easy to install. Fibre optic cable is passive – No electrical power required. Little or no maintenance required. Fibre optic sensing has low cost. Fiber optic sensor is weather independent without being compromised by rain, fog, paper, plastic bags, etc, and not disturbed by moisture, dust or smog.

Types of Distributed Monitoring Vibration and sound Stress, strain along tensile members and cables attached to railway Emergence of rail track deformation Movement of joints and hinges Temperature Loss of ground support due to soil erosion

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