PErpetual Track Sensors (PETS)

"In this 18-month project, self-powered Sensors for monitoring key parameters affecting the performance of the railway infrastructure (load, temperature, shock, etc.) will be developed, deployed, tested and evaluated (move from TRL2-3 to TRL7). The Sensors will combine Ilika's Stereax(r) solid-state battery technology and Smart Component Technologies Ltd (SCT) novel ultra-low power sensor platform and will be wirelessly connected to Network Rail's existing condition monitoring platform (Intelligent Infrastructure). The self-powered sensors will be maintenance free and will generate data 24/7, 365 days a year.

The solid-state battery powered sensors will be the first of this type developed and tested for the railway industry. Solid-state batteries offer substantial benefits over currently used lithium-ion batteries, including; low leakage currents, compact design with twice the volumetric energy density of Lithium-ion batteries, high power density and cycle life of 5,000 cycles (equivalent to a 10-year lifespan).

The self-powered Sensors will be demonstrated on live Network Rail infrastructure as part of a 6-month trial deployment. Three representative Network Rail trial sites will be chosen, specifically targeting known problematic sites, as well as high speed and high frequency lines. At each trial site, Sensors will be distributed at 10m intervals, on strategic components (e.g. points motor, crossing nose, stretcher bar, etc.).

The project directly addresses challenges identified by Network Rail for 'Reliable and Resilient Switches' and will enable the widespread deployment of sensor technology in the railway industry.

The project consortium consists of Ilika (lead), Smart Component Technologies Ltd and Network Rail."