Vibration and Noise Reduction

Reducing track and vehicle vibrations for a quieter and more efficient railway

Excessive vibrations and noise in rail systems can cause discomfort for passengers, damage infrastructure, and lead to higher maintenance costs. The RET4000 system from Parametric provides a solution by utilizing real-time monitoring and adaptive control to minimize these effects, ensuring a smoother and more pleasant ride.

How It Works:

  • Real-time vibration analysis detects and tracks excessive oscillations
  • Automatic damping control dynamically adjusts system responses
  • Edge-based processing ensures immediate detection and reaction

Key Benefits:

  • Extends infrastructure lifespan by reducing stress on tracks
  • Enhances passenger experience with smoother and quieter rides
  • Lowers long-term maintenance costs for railway operators
Red tram in motion, illustrating reduced vibration and noise in urban transit
Understanding the Causes

Analysis of key factors in wheel-rail interaction and their impact on rail systems

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Successful Case Studies

Our solution in action for optimal performance and efficiency

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Intelligent Rail Maintenance

Sustainable noise reduction and material protection for quieter urban transit

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How does the interaction between train wheels and rails contribute to vibrations and noise in rail transport?

The Cause of Vibrations and Noise in Rail Transport

Vibrations and noise in rail transport primarily result from the dynamic interaction between train wheels and rails. The key influencing factors include:

  • Irregularities on wheel or rail surfaces can lead to uneven contact, causing vibrations and noise. This may result from wear, defects, or misalignments.

Conclusion: Understanding the causes of vibrations and noise in rail transport is crucial for a smooth, safe, and efficient railway system. Factors such as wheel-rail interaction, track irregularities, train speed, and structural resonance contribute to these challenges. If excessive vibrations are not addressed, they can lead to increased wear, structural damage, reduced passenger comfort, and rising maintenance costs. Therefore, continuous monitoring and optimization of wheel-rail dynamics are essential to minimize vibrations and enhance the overall performance of rail transport.

Solution in Action

Client: Bernmobil

bernmobil-logo

Challenge

In tram operations, the wheels often produce unpleasant noises when passing through curves, primarily due to insufficiently lubricated rails. However, efficient lubrication is not only a matter of noise reduction but also of environmental protection and resource conservation. The challenge lies in accurately predicting where and when lubrication is needed to minimize lubricant consumption while preventing wheel squealing.

Solution

Our solution combines Deep Learning and real-time data processing to optimize lubrication. Equipped with the RET4000 measuring device, which continuously records noise and vibration data during operation, and the RAR4000 edge computer, which analyzes this data, the system precisely determines when and where lubrication is required. This prediction is made possible by a deep-learning model that continuously improves by learning from the collected data.

Benefits

  • Efficient Lubrication : The precise control of mobile grease pumps ensures that lubricant is applied only where needed, reducing material consumption and protecting the environment.
  • Noise Reduction: Trams operate more quietly as their wheels remain optimally lubricated, preventing disruptive squeaking.
  • Extended Lifespan: By minimizing rail wear, the system increases track longevity, leading to long-term cost savings.

System Architecture

Our solution is fully integrated into Bernmobil's infrastructure and utilizes an edge system to process data directly on-site. RET4000 measuring devices are installed in the trams, continuously collecting noise and vibration data. The collected data is transmitted to a central RAR4000 Edge Computer, which performs the necessary calculations and controls the grease pumps as needed. An LTE connection ensures real-time data transmission to a cloud database, where it is available for further analysis.

Components

  • RET4000 Measuring Device: Continuously measures noise and vibration data.
  • Mesh Network: Connects multiple devices if necessary.
  • Microphones : Capture both internal and external noise.
  • Vibration Sensors(optional): Provide additional vibration monitoring.
  • LTE Connection: Enables remote access and real-time data transmission to the cloud.
  • RAR4000 Edge Computer: Performs calculations and controls the grease pumps.

Detailed Views of the Solution in Action

Detailed Views of the Solution in Action

Ready to optimize your rail system? Contact us for quieter, more sustainable solutions!

Sustainable noise reduction and material protection for quieter urban transportation

With our intelligent railhead conditioning, we enable proactive and efficient rail maintenance that not only reduces noise but also minimizes material wear. This actively contributes to quieter and more sustainable urban transport.

Front view of the RET4000 measuring node

RET4000 Measuring Device

The RET4000 measuring device is part of the time-synchronized, mobile RET measurement system. It enables the acquisition of analog and digital values from external sensors.

Front view of the RAR4000 Mobile Edge Computer, a robust platform designed for use in trains and buses, supporting Ethernet, mesh, and mobile gateways, as well as control and monitoring tasks, with durable connectors and industrial-grade hardware.

RAR4000 Mobile Edge Computer

RAR4000 is a mobile edge computing platform that can be used as a gateway for Ethernet, mesh or mobile, as well as for control and monitoring tasks. The hardware is designed and certified for use in trains and buses.