This year, the Digirail ETCS test track has focused on supporting the areas for the systems of the first commercial track section (EKA) and the implementation phase. During the spring and summer, braking and balise tests have been carried out. In the autumn, we plan to organise tests focusing on rolling stock, in particular in the field of automatic train operation (ATO). The ATO system is completely new and is being tested in Finland for the first time.
During the spring and early summer, we have conducted braking and balise tests on the Digirail ETCS (European Train Control System) test track. The aim of the testing is to provide valuable information on the functionality of the systems and to support their development.
Braking tests play an important role in the analysis of braking curves for different types of wagons. They will be used, for example, to develop the concept of slippery conditions and to verify national technical parameters. In the balise tests, on the other hand, we have gathered experience and knowledge on how the ETCS operational logic behaves in practice, which is essential to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the future system.
“Last year’s tests focused on developing the basic ETCS functionality and testing processes. The emphasis was, among other things, on the processes for organising and carrying out field testing, which led to the development of good practices. This year, testing will focus more strongly on the areas that support the EKA and implementation phase systems,” says Jari Häyrynen, Test System Manager.
Around 15–20 people are involved in preparing the testing for Digirail. In a daily field test, the number of participants varies depending on the subject of the test: typically around 5–10 people are involved. The multidisciplinary expertise of the teams enables accurate and reliable results that support system development on a broad scale.
Automatic train operation to be tested in the autumn
Brake and balise testing will continue until the summer break. In the autumn, testing will take on a new focus, with tests planned for rolling stock, in particular on the ATO system.
The aim of the Digirail project is to introduce automatic train operation, whereby trains accelerate, brake and stop at stations independently under the control of an automated system. The tests will ensure that the systems support the future goals of automatic operation as fully as possible.
“ATO testing in the autumn will be a big effort. As far as I know, actual ATO systems have not been tested or used on Finnish railways before. There is still a lot of work to be done, but with the close cooperation of the different actors and the lessons learned from test track testing, we are well placed to carry out the necessary ATO-related tests and to continue to learn more, especially about this technology that is new in Finland. ATO-related testing will provide important information and lessons, especially for Digirail’s implementation phase,” says Mikko Natunen, Head of the Testing and Approvals division.