Digital sensors to monitor and predict rail faults

News

Hitachi Rail and subsidiary Perpetuum are developing the first real-time digital solution to monitor - and eventually predict - sections of railway track that affect ride quality and require maintenance.

Perpetuum
Perpetuum remote sensors are particularly easy to fit to existing fleets due to their ability to self-power – using patented energy-harvesting technology – they require no extra wiring or power sources (Image: Hitachi Rail)

The monitoring equipment is currently installed on trains across Scotland’s networks including the North Clyde Line, The Borders, and Fife Circle. By fitting digital sensors to trains, the pilot – awarded by Network Rail - offers benefits that include reduced passenger disruption and improved safety; less risk to trackside workers; improved network performance; and further development of intelligent rail infrastructure.

Network Rail launched a half million-pound competition to develop and introduce new technology to improve track maintenance in the next control period (mid-2024). As part of this programme, it has agreed a contract with Perpetuum to expand its ride quality trial to Scotland. This development follows successful trials of Perpetuum’s ride quality monitoring technology with Network Rail on the West Coast main line in 2019.

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