Successful introduction of axle counting solutions in Poland

Since the introduction of the FAdC® to the Polish market, Frauscher has been involved in several projects in the country. What are some of the biggest projects since then?

Daniel: We obtained an indefinite certificate of approval for the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® issued by the Polish Office of Rail Transport (UTK) in June 2019 on the basis of so-called cross acceptance. Nevertheless, with the aim of preserving strong ties with the largest administrator of the national rail network, PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A., we decided to additionally test the FAdC® system at a railway station managed by the PLK Company and I am glad to say the outcome was positive. Furthermore, we can already be proud of many other successfully completed projects, such as the application of the FAdC® system at the PKN ORLEN S.A. refinery in Płock, where more than 300 Frauscher wheel sensors have been installed in conjunction with the FAdC® for the purpose of track vacancy detection. Additionally, one of the manufacturers of railroad traffic control systems in Poland has already incorporated our axle counting solution into its level crossing systems, and in the year 2022 alone, we supplied FAdC® units for approximately twenty installations of this system throughout Poland.

In parallel, we are in constant contact with various signalling system integrators in the country and take an active part in the implementation of FAdC® into their newly developed systems. We are currently involved in development projects with three independent companies which will use the FAdC® system as the primary device for track and turnout unoccupancy control.

To shape the digital future of railway, Frauscher has implemented new solutions such as Frauscher Insights in the last couple of months. How does this fit with the Polish market?

Daniel: The railways in Poland have been undergoing continuous modernisation for a long time. Thanks to their own funds and those from the EU, a large number of investments have been made to increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of rail traffic throughout the country. Currently, in many places on the rail network in Poland, mechanical and relay systems are still in use - however, an increasing amount of modern equipment is continuously appearing every year in many modernised stations and railway routes. This includes computer overlays on relay equipment, digital interlockings and digital block line systems, among many others. These systems work in conjunction with axle counting systems and enable a greater exchange of information between equipment and operating as well as maintenance staff. In addition to basic information about the occupancy status of controlled circuits, modern axle counting systems can now provide a lot of extra information that can be used by higher-level systems for additional functionalities.

Frauscher Insights is a central data platform, with the ability to collect, enrich and process important data from train detection and make it available via various applications, thus helping to streamline operations and increase efficiency. Thanks to this solution, we can, for example, receive information in advance about system performance approaching the permissible ranges. In this way, we can react in advance before a system fault disrupts the operation of the entire train control system to undertake the appropriate preventive maintenance measures. I am of the opinion that as the network adopts increasingly modern axle counting systems, they will become more capable of transmitting additional information to the outside world and platforms such as Frauscher Insights will certainly gain in popularity.

What are the main objectives for Frauscher Poland in the next years? Are there any future projects you can already name today?

Daniel: Twenty-five years of market activity in Poland has proven that Frauscher takes its presence in this country seriously. We want to continue to be seen as a reliable and solid partner for the companies that work with us as well as for the users of our systems. Throughout these years, we have consistently strived to be a trusted provider of dependable solutions and services and our commitment to maintaining this reputation remains steadfast. Tens of thousands of installed wheel sensors and axle counting systems further reaffirm our future aims, and our past success is also one of the main driving motivators. In the near future, we would like to be seen as a comprehensive supplier of after-sales services. Here I am mainly referring to the implementation of the latest Frauscher innovations, such as Frauscher Insights and Frauscher Pulse. Of course, we are continuously working with various companies on the development of their own products, in which we see an opportunity to incorporate our own wheel sensors and axle counting systems. We are truly dedicated to playing an ongoing role in advancing the modernisation of the Polish railway market, both in the immediate future and in the years to come.