Electrification event at University’s IRR gives update on Transpennine upgrade
(Pictured at the event are Dr Pedro Antunes, Professor João Pombo, Phil Doughty, Rambali Raghaven, Tom Kemp and Professor Jason Zheng Jiang)
The issue of efficient electrification saw railway industry leaders gather at the University of Huddersfield’s renowned Institute of Railway Research (IRR) as part of a day-long event.
Based at the University’s Queensgate campus, the IRR hosted the Railway Industry Association’s Electrification & Decarbonisation Group, which involved a variety of presentations and demonstrations, followed by a tour of the Institute’s facilities.
The group for RIA members was for those interested in traction electrification, such as design, specification, installation, maintenance and decommissioning of all rolling stock and lineside elements. This includes solutions for cost-efficient rail electrification and alternative paths to traction decarbonisation such as battery and hydrogen trains.
Speakers at the 29 October event included Professor João Pombo, Associate Director of the IRR, who provided an overview of the IRR’s world-class test facilities and its background and expertise on pantograph-catenary interaction dynamics simulation and testing.
Professor Jason Zheng Jiang of the University of Bristol, and Dr Pedro Antunes, Principal Research Fellow at the IRR, presented the latest developments on the application of inerter technology to improve the dynamic performance of pantographs, in a project funded by Network Rail and also involving Wabtec/Brecknell Willis.
In addition, there was an update on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), from key representatives of Network Rail. The TRU is a transformative, multi-billion-pound railway programme that will better connect passengers in the North between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, upgrading and electrifying the whole 70-mile route which serves 23 stations.
Rambali Raghaven, Lead Discipline Engineer Electrification at the TRU, and Tom Kemp, Technical Head of Contact Systems at Network Rail, gave participants an update on the programme.
This was followed by an update from Phil Doughty, Chief Mechanical and Electrical Engineer at Network Rail, on the recent developments for low-cost electrification.
A highlight for delegates was a live demonstration of the world-leading test facilities, which include HAROLD - a full-size bogie rolling test rig; THOMoS - a passenger environment test platform; PANTHER - a high-speed pantograph test rig; and the Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance robotics facility for inspection and maintenance.
Professor João Pombo said: “Cost efficient electrification is crucial in supporting the nation’s goals to decarbonise the rail transport and promote the modal shift from road to rail. The RIA event enabled industry and academia to come together to discuss how we can best work to address the technical challenges and deliver the benefits of a more accessible, reliable and affordable rail transport system.”
Tom Kemp added: “It was a pleasure to be a part of the recent RIA Electrification TIG event at the University of Huddersfield. Having the opportunity to visit the world class test facilities on site, while also hearing from a range of interesting speakers on relevant topics was fantastic. I’m looking forward to the next visit.”
David Clarke, Senior Technical Advisor at RIA said: “This RIA Electrification and Decarbonisation group brought together RIA members and stakeholders to learn about and discuss the latest technical developments. It was great to hear from the Transpennine Route Upgrade team and from the Network Rail Chief Mechanical and Electrical Engineer.
“Thank you to the University of Huddersfield for hosting us and sharing an insight into the leading research they are undertaking. The facilities of the Institute of Railway Research are truly impressive and extremely valuable to the industry in helping to demonstrate the innovations which are driving efficient electrification.”
Since it was founded over a decade ago, the IRR has built up an impressive reputation as a world-class centre for railway engineering research and innovation, working closely with industry and academic partners to deliver impactful research for a safer, more reliable and cost-efficient low-carbon railway.
The Centre’s role in future-proofing the rail network earned a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2019 for innovations in research and development that brought significant improvements to the railway industry.
With a team of 35 dedicated academic research staff who specialise in the modelling, simulation and full-scale testing of critical railway systems, the IRR has also invested over £14m in state-of-the-art full-scale test facilities.
The Railway Industry Association aims to champion a dynamic UK rail supply sector. It helps to grow a sustainable and high-performing railway as well as promoting UK rail expertise and products to international markets. The RIA has over 360 companies in membership.