Point Controller Based on an Approved Generic VDV Core
In Germany alone, there are more than 60 different signalling regulations based on BOStrab. These were historically developed and have grown individually to meet the needs of the respective transport operators. In other words, there is not just one “point controller” for German transport operators as is the case for the Deutsche Bahn. In the last decades the point controllers developed at HANNING & KAHL have all been manufactured individually to customer requirements.By Hans-Joachim Pütsch
When you add the 80 other countries which we are operating in, the number of bespoke solutions exponentiates. To best cater for this, we decided to develop and secure approval from an independent expert for a generic point controller which essentially implements the protective functions of a point controller as stipulated by VDV331. From this generic model, we then derive a specific point controller as required. We have already successfully implemented such controllers in cities like Oslo, Würzburg, Bremen and Krefeld.
The main reasons for our decision were new findings within the "recognized rules of technology" (aaRdT), and an increasing workload in the verification process with the publication of new process guidelines e.g. CENELEC. In addition, orders for equipment with safety integrity per SIL3, EN 5012x call for new functionalities with regard to operational safety e.g. technical monitoring and error manifestation at the point-position signal, or corrective procedures in malfunction and normal operation.
For HANNING & KAHL and our customers, this will mean simplification or shortening of the process because the necessary independent expert approval has been available for the generic point controller since June 2022.
- The time and effort involved become more predictable with positive impact on the customer‘s desired delivery date
- Assurance of acceptance (mutual recognition)
- Simplification of offer and specifications: Only the delta remains to be specified.
- Automatised testing becomes possible
Figure 1 illustrates the principle of the generic point controller and the derivation of the specific point controller. Here, too, a distinction was made between safety-relevant (HN-P) and non safety-relevant functions (HLUmulti), which ensures better system maintainability.
Standard functions like the point-operation stage, the connection of communication systems, remote maintenance access and the interface to the higher-ranking control system are handled via the HLUmulti.
In the past, the Operations Manager of a transportation company could commission safety installations on his own responsibility. With the latest amendment of the BOStrab, responsibility shifted more towards the approval bodies. The main conclusion I have taken away from the most recent projects is that the longer periods required for verification have to be taken into account by the transport operator when planning. If five years ago, implementation time from the tender for a point controller to commissioning thereof was less than one year, today it takes two to three years. Law-makers’ desire to implement infrastructure projects faster and reduce the length of the planning approval process currently contradicts legislation as it stands today.
