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.”
Decision Day For Controversial Burniston Gas Rig Plans
Scarborough Athletic Aim For Play-Off Glory In Final Day Clash At Bedford Town
Whitby Town Face Pivotal Relegation Battle In Final Game Of The Season
Views Sought On Pilot Project To Tackle Empty Shops In Scarborough
Royal National Lifeboat Institution Launches Recruitment Drive For Fundraisers On The Yorkshire Coast
Bridlington Woman Takes On 1,500-Mile Walking Challenge For Saint Catherine’s Hospice
Fire Chiefs Warn Over Wildfire Risks On Moors Following Last Year's Devastating Blaze
Scarborough Athletic Seek Play-Off Spot In Final Game Of The Season
North Yorkshire EV Charger Roll-Out Paused Not Abandoned
Whitby Town Appoints Paul Walker As New Club Secretary
Saint Cecilia’s Managing Director To Tackle London Marathon For Dementia UK
East Yorkshire Celebrates Local Environmental Projects To Mark Earth Day
Comments
Add a comment