Fiber optic sensors for train safety. Free Technical Library News

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Fiber optic sensors for train safety

01.10.2013

The fiber optic sensor system along the 36 km stretch of high-speed commuter rail links between Hong Kong and mainland China has taken more than 10 million measurements over the past few years. These measurements demonstrated the operation of the system, which is designed to protect passenger and freight trains from accidents. Sensors can quickly detect likely problems such as excessive vibration, mechanical defects, speed and temperature anomalies.

As soon as the system detects a problem, it immediately notifies the driver about it. He, in turn, must take a number of measures in order to avoid an accident. During seven years of testing, the sensors recorded anomalous vibrations about 30 times. And in some cases, the vibrations really posed a danger to the train, and could even lead to its crash. In other cases, abnormal vibration was observed due to the use of inappropriate lubricant, which meant that the mechanics could change it in time and prevent premature wear of parts.

The fiber optic sensor system has been developed to facilitate rail vehicle maintenance and reduce repair costs. It is already clear that the system allows rail companies to save at least $250 a year. Importantly, the fiber optic sensor network itself costs a third less than other monitoring systems used on high-speed rail.

The new fiber optic sensor system has now been installed on all commuter rail routes in Hong Kong, and will soon be rolled out to railways in Singapore and Australia.

Currently, the railway industry around the world is booming: the speed of trains is growing, travel time is decreasing and this makes this type of transport more and more popular. For example, in China and other countries, the speed of many trains is already over 300 km/h, which means that additional measures are required to ensure the safety of passengers, cargo and transport. And the new fiber optic sensor system is a relatively inexpensive and effective way to provide that security.

The basis of the new sensor system is a technology developed back in the 70s and 80s, and known as the fiber Bragg grating. This type of sensor reflects narrow spectra of light whose wavelengths shift due to temperature/strain variations. The connection of a fiber Bragg grating with mechanical transducers makes it possible to measure pressure, acceleration, and other parameters.

Sensors are placed in train compartments or along railway tracks. In the event of a sudden interference on the rails or excessive vibration, the reflection spectrum of the gratings changes. And since the system works purely by optical detection, there are no problems with electromagnetic interference from power lines that run parallel to many modern rail lines.

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