WARNSS (Wireless Autonomous Rail Networked Sensing System)

The existing Perpetuum train sensor system uses vibration energy harvesters (VEH) to power a vibration sensor, electronics and communications that can monitor the health of bearings, wheels and the track. It records vibration data and transmits wirelessly via a data concentrator that transmits off the train using the GSM network. The system performs very well and the energy harvesters provides a unique enabling technology for train operators to make informed maintenance decisions over a lifetime of 25 years. The existing energy harvester typically generates more than sufficient power for the system and uses capacitors for energy storage. The situation has further improved with the recent completion of the TSB funded project ENERGYMAN which has increased the efficiency of the power management electronics. The system now has energy available to improve its capability by monitoring further equipment (e.g. gearboxes, motors, brakes). This project will enable Perpetuum’s sensor system to provide comprehensive data that enables informed maintenance of a much wider range of equipment and provide considerable cost savings to the train operator.