Train Movement & Control Systems
This module will enable students to gain a broad awareness and understanding of the concept, design, rationale and implementation of systems of control for train movements, covering principles, practices and safety standards, in normal, degraded and emergency conditions. The module covers all aspects of the safe and efficient control of train movement including technology, process and human factors aspects, both in relation to normal operation and in relation to the implementation of a new system or making changes to an existing one.
Module Syllabus
During this module students will cover the following syllabus:
- Basic TMCS functions including safe movement of trains, interlocking, controlling train speed, ensuring an unobstructed route and functions in emergency, degraded and maintenance modes.
- Means of control including train detection, movement authorisation, interlocking and movement control. The principles of operation of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO)
- Signalling development history, mainly from a British perspective
- Signalling principles as applied currently in the UK.
- A brief review of train control systems worldwide, focusing on European and United States practice and considering the special concerns of tramways and metros.
- Layout design and risk assessment
- Human factors; aspects of human behaviour and the operator as a sub-system.
- Traffic management systems and practice
- Future vision for TMCS; communication based train control; ERTMS.Degraded modes and RAMS
- Safety regulation and the signalling system.
Module Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
- Describe and apply the fundamental principles of UK signalling systems and the main non-UK conventional (i.e. non ATP) principles of operation
- Outline and comparatively evaluate the main advantages and disadvantages of the European ATP/ ATC/ Transmission based signalling systems; and summarise the impact of cultural differences and application environment on the use of such equipment in the UK
- Critically analyse both the major human factor considerations in implementing or amending a signalling system, and the implications from the operators' perspective
- Describe and analyse the impact of regulation and reaction to accidents on the development of ATP in Europe, and the impact of traffic management on the development of Metro and LRT-type signalling systems
Train Movement & Control Systems
This module will enable students to gain a broad awareness and understanding of the concept, design, rationale and implementation of systems of control for train movements, covering principles, practices and safety standards, in normal, degraded and emergency conditions. The module covers all aspects of the safe and efficient control of train movement including technology, process and human factors aspects, both in relation to normal operation and in relation to the implementation of a new system or making changes to an existing one.
Module Syllabus
During this module students will cover the following syllabus:
- Basic TMCS functions including safe movement of trains, interlocking, controlling train speed, ensuring an unobstructed route and functions in emergency, degraded and maintenance modes.
- Means of control including train detection, movement authorisation, interlocking and movement control. The principles of operation of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO)
- Signalling development history, mainly from a British perspective
- Signalling principles as applied currently in the UK.
- A brief review of train control systems worldwide, focusing on European and United States practice and considering the special concerns of tramways and metros.
- Layout design and risk assessment
- Human factors; aspects of human behaviour and the operator as a sub-system.
- Traffic management systems and practice
- Future vision for TMCS; communication based train control; ERTMS.Degraded modes and RAMS
- Safety regulation and the signalling system.
Module Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
- Describe and apply the fundamental principles of UK signalling systems and the main non-UK conventional (i.e. non ATP) principles of operation
- Outline and comparatively evaluate the main advantages and disadvantages of the European ATP/ ATC/ Transmission based signalling systems; and summarise the impact of cultural differences and application environment on the use of such equipment in the UK
- Critically analyse both the major human factor considerations in implementing or amending a signalling system, and the implications from the operators' perspective
- Describe and analyse the impact of regulation and reaction to accidents on the development of ATP in Europe, and the impact of traffic management on the development of Metro and LRT-type signalling systems