Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Supplementing Audio Frequency Track Circuits with Axle Counters | USA
train-detectionUnited States of America

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Supplementing Audio Frequency Track Circuits with Axle Counters | USA

Operator
Charlotte Area Transit System
Country
United States of America
Partner
HNTB
Segment
Metro
Application
Level Crossing Protection
Products
FAdC®, RSR180
Year
2022
Scope of project
6 counting heads

At the Charlotte Area Transit System, frequent false red signal overruns resulted when electromagnetic interference caused “bobbing” of the line’s audio frequency track circuits. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® was subsequently considered as an alternative to these track circuits to eliminate the occurrence of false red signal overruns.

The operators of the Charlotte Area Transit System, at the advice of consultant HNTB, agreed to utilise the FAdC® for a shadow mode trial to determine if it would solve its prevalent issue of false red signal overruns. The main reason for consideration of the axle counter was its high immunity to the electromagnetic interference, which was causing this issue, as well as its ability to interoperate with the existing audio frequency track circuits. The trial was conducted at the Archdale Interlocking for nine and a half months, generating the expected positive results. The data indicated that although numerous events of track circuit “bobbing” occurred during the trial period and generated false overruns, the axle counter data showed that if it had been in service, these overruns would have been prevented.

The FAdC® was able to increase the availability and safety, ensuring consistent and smooth operation of this light rail line. The axle counters were then used to entirely replace the existing AF track circuits, after the vital testing was successfully completed and the personnel was fully trained. After finalisation of these important steps, the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® was placed in revenue service.

Elimination of false red signal overruns

Protection against environmental conditions and electromagnetic interference

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
train-detectionUnited States of America

Tracking Trains in Houston | USA

Houston MetroRail (METRO for short) is comprised of three light-rail lines covering 22 miles. Two-car, low-floor trainsets are powered by overhead catenary and operated on a mix of rail types, including embedded, grooved, concrete, and ballasted track. Harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat, humidity, and storms with heavy rains causing floods are typical for Houston. Combined with the variable track structure this caused significant malfunctions of the wheel sensors of METRO’s signalling system.
train-detectionChina

CBTC Fallback System on Beijing Metro Lines | China

Beijing metro, one of the busiest lines in the world, was Frauscher’s very first assignment when entering the Chinese market. Due to its utilised capacity, it requires a great level of stability, reliability and performance of the entire signalling system. The Communication Based Train Control System (CBTC) applied here relies on a backup system consisting of fixed automatic train detection systems. Axle counting systems from Frauscher are perfectly suited for the accurate operation of such stand-by systems.
train-detection, servicesIndia

Sini - Chandil Railway Line | India

The Sini-Chandil railway line is a crucial rail connection located in the state of Jharkhand, which lies in the eastern coastal region of India. This railway line holds significant strategic importance for the entire region, and now incorporates Frauscher solutions, including the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC®, Wheel Sensor RSR180 and the Frauscher Insights applications Diagnostics and Motion.
train-detectionIndia

Jhansi - Bina Railway Line | India

The Jhansi-Bina railway line is a strategically important line which belongs to North Central Railway and is in Uttar Pradesh. Initially, the line featured analogue axle counters for detecting trains in individual track sections as well as a DC track circuit train detection system in less congested areas.
train-detectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Churnet Valley Heritage Railway | UK

The Churnet Valley Heritage Railway preserves England's rich heritage of steam-powered rail transport.