University broadens rail research capabilities

Commissioned as the UK’s only full-size rig of its kind, it features a motored rolling road that can drive a wheelset of a standard gauge bogie at speeds up to 200kph, exerting real-world forces via its hydraulic actuation system.

In partnership with engineering consultants Ricardo who will deliver the upgrade, funding will provide significant enhancements to the facility’s functionality, including the integration of a real-time train braking performance model and a fully functional AC power bogie, comprising both friction and regenerative brake systems and complete traction package.

Utilising the capability of hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) test methods, on-train systems including next-generation wheel-slide protection (WSP), dynamic brake blending control, and traction components can be analysed. The test environment can re-create whole-route traction and braking duty-cycles at speeds of up to 200kph, under a range of wheel-rail adhesion conditions, thereby providing an invaluable proving stage prior to on-track trials.

With provision for battery banks and fully configurable real-time models, the test rig will also provide the capability to prove novel hybrid drivetrains and energy storage systems, enabling hardware and software solutions to be trialled in a controlled but realistic environment.

HAROLD 2.0 is expected to be ready for operation by summer 2022, where it will join other recent UKRRIN funded investments, such as the PANTHER high-speed pantograph test rig and the THOMoS high-fidelity passenger comfort/motion simulator.

“In helping realise predictable and optimised traction and braking performance, the HAROLD 2.0 test rig will contribute to delivering a safer, more reliable and higher capacity railway. Through testing and development of hybrid vehicle concepts, will support the railway industry in overcoming its wider decarbonisation and electrification challenges” Said Professor Paul Allen, Assistant Director of the Institute of Railway Research.

Summary of capabilities

Train braking

• Hardware and software development and proving of next-generation WSP systems
• Train brake blending controller optimisation (friction and electro-dynamic brakes)
• Route-specific and brake duty-cycle testing to support vehicle acceptance
• Provides a stepping-stone between desktop/bench-tests and on-track trials

Traction and energy systems

• Wheel-slip and traction management system development, problem solving and proving
• Hybrid drivetrain and energy storage solution development and proving
• Real-time energy storage models (e.g. battery and hydrogen fuel cell model-in-the-loop)
• Whole-route energy cycle evaluation for proving hybrid drive solutions