Some of the trains operating across Yorkshire will soon be monitored remotely, in real time, so that any engine issues are flagged in advance of the unit arriving back at the depot.
The train operator Northern has teamed up with the rolling stock provider Porterbrook to fit remote condition monitoring (RCM) hardware to the engines of its Class 170 'Turbostar' fleet.
The work, which was carried out at the Neville Hill TrainCare Centre in West Yorkshire, is designed to improve performance and reliability.
It is part of a digital transformation project supported by Instrumentel, who built the RCM system, and Derby Engineering Unit, who installed the hardware on the trains.
It will mean that instead of relying on manual engine checks, Northern’s engineers will have access to fast and reliable data in real-time, enabling them to adopt a more predictive maintenance programme, preventing engine issues or failings before they happen.
By switching from a reactive to a preventative or condition-based approach, it is expected the train operator will be able to significantly reduce the number of hours trains are out of service for engine repairs.
The work supports Northern’s Intelligent Trains programme, which it launched in 2022.
Iain Burnett, fleet director at Northern, said:
“Remote and real-time monitoring of track and train is something the rail industry has been working towards over the past couple of years – and forms a central part of our Intelligent Trains programme.
“We’re delighted to be working with Porterbrook on this hardware for the Class 170 Turbostar fleet and look forward to the real-world benefits it will bring to fleet maintenance.”
Chris Beales, head of digital engineering at Porterbrook, said:
“Our industry is changing, and we are waking up to the real world benefits a shift towards Digital can afford us.
“This project is a prime example of how close collaboration between train operators, asset owners and the supply chain is key to realising these benefits.
“We look forward to continuing to work with all involved to revolutionise the way in which we operate and maintain these important assets.”
Saint Catherine’s Hospice Launches Week Long £40,000 Appeal to Mark 40 Years of Care
Yorkshire Water Goes Solar in Filey
Replacement of Whitby Whale Bone Arch Faces International and Legal Hurdles
Saint Cecilia’s Care Group Extends Support to Eastfield Medical Centre
MP Blames Senior Management Failures for Prolonged Closure of Eastfield Medical Centre
Calls Mount for 'Emergency' 20mph Speed Limit on Whitby's New Bridge
Bridlington Town Unveils Bold Five-Year Vision Rooted in Community Ownership
£40,000 Investment Brings New Fitness Challenge to Seamer and Crossgates Community
Planners Reject Hunmanby Hall Holiday Let Conversion Plan
Urgent Demolition of ‘Unsafe’ Pathology Building Proposed at Scarborough Hospital
Coastal Communities on Alert as Flood Warnings Issued Along Yorkshire Coast
Filey MP Hits Out At Proposed Tourism Tax
Comments
Add a comment