Electromagnetic Compatibility in Railways

The control of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in the Railway environment is a major problem for both the infrastructure controller and train operators. The dynamic nature of the railway, the use of modern power electronics/inverter technology for traction drives and the use of modern radio based technology presents a harsh and complex electromagnetic environment in which safety critical equipment must operate as intended.

Level: Introductory

Length: Three days

Key subjects covered

• Definition of EMC
• The management of EMC to satisfy both safety and conformance requirements – EMC management/control plans, sub-system requirements and procurement
• The legal conformance requirements – the EMC Directives 89/336/EEC and 2004/108/EC and the implementing legislation
• Relevant EMC Standards: product and generic standards, the EN50121-X series of standards, etc
• The requirements of the Technical Construction File (TCF) and EMC technical documentation
• The EMC aspects of the Safety Case – the requirements and application of GM/RT8015 ‘group standard’
• Feeding arrangements AC and DC railways
• Threats from AC and DC traction drives
• Transmission lines and crosstalk
• Screening and enclosures
• Touch potentials and earthing strategies
• Immunisation case studies
• Railway EMC measurements

Course Scope

This course will provide an introduction to EMC in the railway environment. It will provide an understanding of its importance and the need to manage EMC from project concept to completion. The legal EMC requirements will be explained and how these are satisfied by use of standards and the TCF/technical documentation; these requirements will be related to safety case requirements and in particular group standard GM/RT8015. In order to understand the railway EM environment it is necessary to appreciate the power feeding arrangements in ac and dc railways; the EMI threats posed by traction drives; how unwanted signals couple into lineside S & T cables; how to shield/screen equipment; the effects of earthing strategies on ‘touch’ potentials; practical immunisation case studies; and railway EMC measurements trackside and laboratory.

Who should attend

The course will be of interest to professional engineers concerned with: project management, system integration, equipment design, approvals and assurance, from all areas of the railway industry:

• Network operators
• TOCs
• ROSCOs
• Consultancies
• Rolling stock manufacturers
• Signalling and infrastructure equipment designers and manufacturers

Registration

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