Common Safety Method testing
DEKRA tests NS Intercity New Generation
On behalf of the Dutch Railways (Nederlandse Spoorwegen), Alstom is building a new intercity train. This new intercity will replace, for example locomotives with carriages on Dutch high speed lines that have reached the end of their lifespan. But before that happens, the Intercity New Generation (ICNG) will be extensively assessed. Over the past few months, this has taken place on a test track in the Czech Republic. In June, the first test train of the new intercity entered the Netherlands. A team of specialists from independent testing and certification company DEKRA continue to assess the ICNG against all applicable regulations.
As the Designated Body (DeBo), DEKRA has assessed the ICNG against the ‘Regeling Indienststelling Spoorvoertuigen’, the Dutch standard for commissioning of new vehicles.. In addition, the expertise organization as Assessment Body (AsBo) has assessed the safety management system against the Common Safety Method (CSM REA). Based on these assessments, ProRail has given a positive advice with regard to interoperability and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate has issued a permit for further testing of this first train set.
“We are currently conducting the prescribed tests to demonstrate that the train complies with regulations. The test results will be used by the certification bodies in their assessment”, says Margreet Beuving, Project Manager at DEKRA. Among other things, the ERTMS track-train integration, EMC aspects (such as axle counters and interference currents), the interaction between pantograph and catenary and the aerodynamics of the train are assessed.
Testing
During the ERTMS track-train integration test, train protection is assessed in common and specific situations. Since the various ERTMS route sections in the Netherlands have specific characteristics, it is important to test the correct operation of train protection on all ERTMS route sections.
DEKRA also carries out pantograph tests, using high-speed camera systems to measure the deflection of the overhead contact line during a train passage. This deviation is recorded and analyzed very accurately on camera images.
DEKRA's Electrotechnical Department performs specialist measurements in the field of electromagnetic interference (EMI). It must be demonstrated for all safety-relevant parts in the train that they are not influenced by so-called interference currents. In addition, DEKRA performs measurements with regard to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Safe at high speed
Because the ICNG is allowed to travel at a higher speed than current intercity trains, more requirements must be met. “The new train is airtight so that it can also run through tunnels at high speed,” explains Beuving. “That's why we also assess the aerodynamics. For example, the air pressure in the bow wave in front of the train must not be too high. We check this at the maximum speed of 200 km/h.”
Vehicle permit
The tests will continue in the near future. In addition to the five-car set, the eight-car set will also be assessed. After that, train sets for the Belgian track will follow. “We are proud that during this dynamic project we can use our highly specialized knowledge and skills to support Alstom, NS, ProRail and the Dutch National Safety Authority (ILT). When the ICNG receives a vehicle permit at the end of all tests and assessments, all DEKRA employees involved will look back with satisfaction on a successful project.”
Would you like to know more about this project? Please contact Margreet Beuving via
+31 30 300 51 35
or send an e-mail to
margreet.beuving@dekra.com.