Chippenham, UK, 2014-Jun-03
Siemens Rail Automation has received full System Acceptance from Network Rail for the latest release of their RailCom Manager platform, which facilitates the control of IEC61850 devices within an automated substation. This follows the successful completion of an upgrade of the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) traction power control system at Network Rail’s integrated electronic control centre in York earlier this year.
Originally installed in 2002, the upgrade was required not only to overcome certain areas of obsolescence, but also to extend the operational life of the system and to provide the capability for future interfaces to Network Rail’s new DNP3-IP communications protocol.
The work, which saw the successful migration of the SCADA traction power system to Siemens’ latest RailCom Manager platform, took place over a 20 day period and was followed by a 30 day trial, with the system being signed into operational use on 2 January 2014. The whole programme was delivered as a completely seamless migration, with no disruption to the operational railway.
Commenting on the programme, Vincent Clark, Electrical Control Manager at Network Rail said: “The update of the SCADA system at York was delivered seamlessly by the professional Siemens team. Not only was the project completed on budget and within the agreed timescales, but also without a single minute’s delay to the operational railway. We now have a SCADA system which is fit for the 21st century”.
The system accommodates the forthcoming changes to the East Coast Main Line, in line with Network Rail’s power supply upgrade programme, and can be easily expanded to control other areas of the infrastructure.
Siemens’ Technical Support Services Manager, Andy Smith, added: “We were delighted to have completed this vital update work and to have received System Acceptance for RailCom Manager. The update has delivered both improved operational performance and a completely new user interface, with the workstations now running familiar Windows screens. The system is now in the hands of our maintenance team which is providing ongoing support to Network Rail in York”.
Contact for journalists:
Siemens plc
Barry Pearson, tel: 07855 752 311
Email : barry@objectivecomms.co.uk
Emma Whitaker, tel: 079212 46942
Email: emma.whitaker@siemens.com
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The Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector (Munich, Germany) with approximately 90,000 employees, focuses on sustainable technologies for metropolitan areas and their infrastructures. Its offering includes products, systems and solutions for intelligent traffic management, rail-bound transportation, smart grids, energy efficient buildings, and safety and security. The Sector comprises the divisions Building Technologies, Low and Medium Voltage, Mobility and Logistics, Rail Systems and Smart Grid. For more information, visit http://www.siemens.com/infrastructure-cities
Siemens Rail Automation (Berlin, Germany) is a business unit within the Mobility and Logistics Division and is a global leader in the design, supply, installation and commissioning of track-side and train-borne signalling and train control solutions. Its portfolio includes train control, interlocking systems, operations control systems, components, track vacancy detection, level-crossing protection, rail communications, and cargo automation for both passenger and freight rail operators. Siemens Rail Automation employs over 9,500 people across a network of offices worldwide. In the UK, 1,300 employees operate from offices in Chippenham, London, Croydon, Poole, Birmingham, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Manchester, York, Glasgow and Newport, delivering both mainline and mass transit programmes. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/rail-automation.
