Perpetuum Self-Powered Wireless Condition Monitoring Solutions at APTA

Over the next 10 years major investments will be made in the US railway system, creating challenges to the industry's capacity, capabilities and performance at a time when usage is predicted to grow at record breaking rates. Unforeseen downtime for maintenance and service of revenue assets will come at an increasing premium.

In a matter of months Southeastern Railways (one of the UK's premier operating companies) installed the Perpetuum system on its C375 Electrostar fleet, providing the maintenance teams with condition based operational status of their assets. Key components of heavy haul maintenance have been extended using the system, saving millions annually across the fleet. With the migration to condition based maintenance even further savings can be guaranteed.

The Perpetuum system provides smart analytics that have allowed Southeastern to be much more proactive. This has allowed the move from a periodic maintenance schedule to condition-based maintenance for the fleet, resulting in better planning and less disruption to passengers. There are fewer costs involved in maintenance related to wheels and bearings due to the additional mileage that trains can safely achieve before inspections or repairs. Where previously parts were changed according to time, distance, expected lifespan or manufacturers recommendations, they are now changed at the point of operational need.

Interactions between the fleet managers and maintenance teams are now based on actual information on the precise operating condition of key operational components. Benefits from improvements in workload forecasting enhance financial models and reduce additional work orders for unplanned maintenance over the franchise. The onboard, self-powered wireless condition monitoring technology is a "fit and forget" system that requires no maintenance beyond the initial installation. Innovative Vibration Energy Harvesters convert train vibration into electrical energy to power the sensors and communications from the bogie mounted units. No batteries, no wires, no maintenance.

Perpetuum rail solutions are redefining the way rail authorities undertake significant and costly elements of fleet maintenance. Perpetuum Rail Solutions … Innovation in Motion.