Frauscher Sensor Technology has completed the divestiture to Wabtec Corporation.

Find Out More
Tracking Trains in Houston | USA
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Tracking Trains in Houston

Operator
MTA Houston
Country
United States of America
Partner
MEC Mass Electric Corp.
Segment
Main & Regional Line
Application
Track Vacancy Detection
Products
FAdC®, RSR180
Year
2016
Scope of project
565 wheel sensors, 103 equipment locations
Download

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.

In order to improve the system, METRO conducted trial installations with several suppliers of axle counter solutions to demonstrate features and the overall performance of their respective products. Due to the complicated track structure and environmental conditions, Frauscher quickly understood that the required wheel sensors had to be simple to install, immune to extreme heat as well as waterproof as floods could easily occur. The trial results demonstrated that the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® met all of METRO’s requirements in terms of environmental influences, interfaces, reliability and seamless integration into the existing infrastructure.

The flexible design of the FAdC® allows efficient data transfer via relay interface to the traffic control system and interlocking. Additionally, two optional intelligent functions, Supervisor Track Sections and Counting Head Control, were used to counter the effects of unexpected influences such as metallic debris. The installed Frauscher Wheel Sensor RSR180 is extremely robust and not affected by any environmental influences.

In total, 565 Wheel Sensors RSR180 were installed along the rail line, and the axle counter Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® in 103 locations throughout the network to guarantee a flawless operation of the line.

Excellent match of requirements

The Frauscher axle counting solution met all of METRO’s environmental, interface and reliability requirements. The straightforward installation and smooth transition from the existing train detection system was highly appreciated by the operator.

Reduction of costs

The new system caused a significant reduction in down time and maintenance costs, which will continue to add up over the lifecycle of the system. The additional smart functionalities that were implemented increased the availability of the system even further.

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
Train DetectionCanada

Edmonton Metro Line

The Edmonton Metro Line was experiencing significant issues with its newly installed Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, which did not perform to the operator‘s expectations. The city was forced to run an incomplete schedule with reduced train speed and frequency which negatively affected commuters and the city of Edmonton in general. Finally in 2019, the operator decided to install a new system in cooperation with Frauscher.
Learn More
Train DetectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

London to Corby

The project was part of Network Rail’s Midland Main line electrification programme and involved re-signalling between Bedford and Kettering. The goal is the reduction of industry costs and environmental benefits through lighter rolling stock, reduced fuel costs and lower carbon emissions.
Learn More
Train DetectionTaiwan

Shalun Signaling

The Shalun Line is frequented by four-car-trains and located in the south of Taiwan. Tropical conditions with temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees and high humidity are not the only challenge the Frauscher Axle Counter Solution has to deal with.
Learn More
Train DetectionFinland

Kokkola

Frauscher supplied one of Finland’s busiest railway lines with new Axle Counters. The line was extended from a single to a double track section and Mipro was looking for a solution which can interface with their interlocking system in an efficient and cost effective way.
Learn More
Train DetectionKazakhstan

FAdC® at Vhodnaya Station

ArcelorMittal is responsible for the operation of a dedicated industrial railway infrastructure located in Temirtau, Kazakhstan. At Vhodnaya station, an essential shunting yard, various goods and materials, such as polyester, zinc, aluminium, sinter, iron ore, and coke-chemical products, are loaded and unloaded. The station's robust infrastructure features 64 switching points and 68 signals, necessitating the use of a high-performing train detection system to ensure the safe and efficient management of traffic flow.
Learn More