Comms consoles keep rail network on track

Zetron AcomEVO consoles help Brookfield Rail oversee its vast rail infrastructure effectively and efficiently.

Brookfield Rail is responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of one of Western Australia’s most vital elements of transportation — its 5500-kilometre, multiuser, rail-freight network. The rail infrastructure extends across the southern half of Western Australia, spanning an area twice the size of Great Britain.

As the only rail-freight network in the southern half of Western Australia, it provides access to the eastern states of Australia and also serves as an important link to six government ports that connect to markets overseas. In 2013 alone, freight carried over the rail system exceeded 71 million tonnes.

The responsibilities required to ensure the 24/7 operation of such a network are many and varied. They include everything from managing track access, train control and signalling, to overseeing communication systems, rail construction and maintenance.

That’s why Brookfield Rail recently installed Zetron’s AcomEVO to update its centralised communications equipment. The solution, which includes three separate but linked systems, has already improved the quality and reliability of Brookfield Rail’s communications. What’s more, it is based on updated technology that will be able to support their evolving operations well into the future.

Owned by global asset management company Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P., Brookfield Rail is one of the few independent rail-infrastructure providers in the world. It uses train control centres in Midland, Avon and Picton (a suburb of Bunbury) to coordinate and control its diverse operations. These include the daily movement of over 180 trains across the rail network, and making sure the network runs efficiently and is maintained to meet all safety and compliance standards.

Upgrade needed

According to Zetron Australasia Technical Operations Engineer Matthew Essex, Brookfield Rail had decided the time had come to update its communication equipment.

“The Zetron Acom system they’d been using in two of their three centres had performed very well for many years,” he said. “But a newer version of the system, AcomEVO, offered updated technology and functionality that would better support their activities and plans. They also wanted to install the same type of system at all three sites and expand to include additional train-control desks.”

According to Essex, Zetron’s AcomEVO was chosen for the project because, for one thing, it would fully meet the project’s considerable list of requirements. Brookfield Rail’s past positive experiences with Zetron and satisfaction with their previous Acom system also was a key determinant.

“The upgrade to an improved version of an excellent system from a tried-and-proven partner was the most attractive and logical choice,” he said.

Three centres, three systems

The project involved installing one AcomEVO controller and seven consoles at Midland; one controller and four consoles at Avon; and one controller and four consoles at the Picton site in Bunbury.

This was conducted in two phases, with the Picton and Midland installations taking place in early May of 2015, and the Avon installation a month later. Hardware component upgrades had to be completed before the installations could get underway. But overall, challenges during the project were minimal.

Each system was designed and set up so any console would be able to log into and use any of the three systems. This was done to provide additional layers of redundancy to an already highly redundant solution. In addition, the screens used by the train controllers were configured to have a consistent look and feel across all three centres. So if one centre were to go down, the controllers would be able go to any of the other locations, sit down, log in and continue operations without missing a beat.

No training was required at the two locations where Acom had been used previously because operators at those sites were already familiar with that system, and the screens on the new systems were designed to resemble those of the earlier version.

The operators at Picton were new to the Acom platform, however. They received training at the company’s offices in Perth prior to the upgrade, and then on-site once the system had been installed. The screens were designed to be easy to learn and use, and those operators who were new to the system caught onto it quickly.

Beneficial outcomes

Brookfield Rail’s three-site AcomEVO solution is now delivering the features and functionality for which the system was originally chosen — and a few more besides.

For one thing, not only is the equipment fully supported, but the Brookfield Communications Group is trained and equipped to provide first-line maintenance if and when it’s needed.

Another important benefit is the ability to log on to any of the systems from consoles at any of the three sites. “This functionality is crucial,” said Essex. “It ensures the continuity of Brookfield Rail’s operations if a site ever has to be evacuated or a fault condition occurs.”

AcomEVO also removes a layer of complexity from the set-up. Previously, Brookfield’s equipment’s dual-tone multifrequency signalling had been provided by third-party equipment. But because AcomEVO is able to connect directly to the radio through the telephone infrastructure, third-party equipment was no longer need to make the connection. This direct connection eliminates a possible point of failure.

The updated solution is also designed to support telephone integration into the consoles. “They are planning to implement ISDN phone integration as soon as funding permits,” said Essex. “Brookfield Rail is indeed happy with the results of the overall project,” he added. “AcomEVO has met and even exceeded their expectations.”

“We are delighted Brookfield Rail has recognised the high performance Acom offers, as well as the exceptional support provided by the Zetron team,” Zetron Australasia Vice President and General Manager Ranjan Bhagat said. “Acom is an effective platform for organisations such as Brookfield Rail, whose control centre solutions must be able to meet current and evolving requirements.”

Images courtesy Daryl Phillips under CC.