Innovative Technology Enhances Rail Safety at Level Crossings Across Italy
CES has successfully secured a contract to deploy industrial radars for GCF (Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie) enhancing safety at railway level crossings across Italy. The GCF radar-based LCP system derived from automotive high-frequency radar technology offers robust reliability against optical refraction issues under adverse weather conditions. This technology will soon enhance safety across hundreds of level crossings, significantly reducing accident risks due to driver distraction.
The radars which have been rigorously tested and are automotive qualified, represent a significant advancement in rail safety. This contract is part of a broader campaign to improve level crossing safety in Italy, with detection systems being installed at various level crossing, funded by a substantial investment aimed at enhancing safety.
A Successful Collaboration
GCF has been instrumental in integrating this adaptable technology known as PAI-PL (Protezione Automatica Integrativa Passaggi a Livello). Since 2016, CES Italy and GCF have collaborated effectively leveraging their combined expertise to deliver innovative safety solutions. This long-standing partnership has demonstrated flexible engineering and a creative approach providing a robust framework for future advancements in rail safety.
The partnership between CES Italy and GCF has experienced significant growth and development since 2016. It all started when GCF reached out to Continental for information about their sensors, explaining the specific applications in mind. Continental provided a demonstrator and assisted in understanding the intricacies of their technology. After gaining a deep understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the sensors, GCF collaborated closely with the Continental Engineering Services team in Frankfurt. Together, they implemented optimizations to maximize the sensor’s performance in the railway environment. Currently, GCF is experimenting with new technologies for upcoming projects, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in rail safety and efficiency.
Stefano Ferrario, Regional Sales Manager of CES, states, “This collaboration with GCF highlights our commitment to using proven automotive technologies to enhance rail safety. Our radar systems’ reliability and adaptability ensure they perform well under various environmental conditions, making them a crucial component in improving level crossing safety.”
Davide Cesare, Project Leader, adds: “One of the standout innovations from our collaboration is the integration of advanced industrial radar systems into our signaling infrastructure. These radars have significantly improved the accuracy and, at the same time, reduced false alarms, which we experienced with less advanced sensors. The system we developed has demonstrated remarkable performance in adverse weather conditions, thus enhancing overall safety.”
Feedback from Key Stakeholders
The feedback from stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive. Infrastructure managers have been particularly pleased that the system, while ensuring SIL4 safety levels, does not negatively impact train circulation. The successful implementation and positive reception have underscored the importance of continuous innovation and investment in safety technologies.
Future Vision of Rail Safety in Italy
GCF envisions a future where rail travel in Italy is synonymous with safety and efficiency, goals shared by Continental Engineering Services. Currently, GCF has several pilot projects related to infrastructure diagnostics, experimenting with cutting-edge technologies in photonics and radar systems. The goal is to continue integrating such advanced technologies to create a robust, fail-safe railway network that meets the highest international standards. The LCP system is just one part of this complex; it is highly appreciated by infrastructure operators, and GCF is securing many installation contracts for the LCP. The system is now mature, but further improvements and enhancements are planned to expand its capabilities and performance even further.
To learn more about our innovative solutions and future projects, visit GCF and our dedicated railway page.
Experience our railway solutions live at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, from Tuesday, September 24, 2024, to Friday, September 27, 2024. Visit us at the Continental booth in Hall 9, stand 400, to experience our railway solutions and GCF at booth 315 to see the LCP System in action. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with our experts and discover how we are revolutionizing rail safety and efficiency.
