📋 Tender Overview
Damage to the overhead contact line sometimes leads to lengthy disruptions on the track. Preventing this is high on the wish list of the rail industry. NS and ProRail are now conducting a trial with a smart camera. With that camera we see a problem coming and that makes early intervention possible.Taste at SchipholtunnelThe trial started in October with a camera at the entrance to the Schiphol tunnel. The speed camera takes pictures of all pantographs on the passing trains. Pantographs are in constant contact with the overhead contact line while driving. The power they pick up from the overhead wires is used by the train to drive.Maintenance before damage occursIn order to prevent damage carriers always have preventive checks and maintenance of pantographs. ProRail also inspects and maintains the overhead contact line. Nevertheless bad weather or for example blown-in material can cause damage. If there are defects in the pantograph the train cannot continue or damage to the overhead line may occur. Other train traffic on that route will also suffer from this. This is a nuisance for travelers. So rather avoid. Smart cameraWith the new smart camera we see defects before they cause nuisance. When irregularities are detected ProRail will notify the transporter so that we can remedy the defect as quickly as possible and prevent damage and nuisance. The trial is an initiative of NS and ProRail and is supervised by ProRails Datalab.Automatic detection of damageIn the first phase of the trial a manual search is made for photos of pantographs with damage. Based on this the algorithm for automatically recognizing damage is trained.Immediate successIn November we noticed a shocked contact piece on a sprinter in a photo. After reporting to NS this train was taken out of service in time and consequential damage and nuisance to passengers was prevented. The system has already been able to prove its worth.Catenary inspectionCatenary maintenance is another important weapon to prevent fractures. We drive across the country with innovative laser trains to measure the overhead contact line. In addition two passenger trains from NS are currently driving - as a test - with cameras and vibration sensors on the roof to inspect the condition of the overhead contact line. There is also a strict maintenance regime and we replace parts and contact wires on time.
