Client Brief
This project is part of a consolidation of all existing Network Rail SCADA systems into a single national SCADA platform; Traction Power Centralised Management System (TPCMS). This control system will eventually provide the control of power delivery of the UK railway network across England and Scotland, controlling thousands of kilometres of track from 13 distributed control rooms.
Project Overview
Ematics, Morson Projects’ Control, Systems & Integration division, was brought in by partner Telent in 2021 to design, implement, and supply a new version of TPCMS from the ground up to fulfil all requirements set out by Network Rail in the original project specification from 2013, drawing off Ematics’ extensive experience of large-scale control system delivery projects for clients such as Drax Power Station, Transport for London, and Argent Energy.
Software Features
A distinctive feature that TPCMS version 5 implements is an intelligent electrical network model that tracks the flow of electricity throughout the Network Rail electrical network. Using the live statuses of circuit breakers, TPCMS calculates the expected energisation state of the railway supply within milliseconds. This data is then used to warn operators of unexpected states, improving safety versus the existing railway control systems.
The time to implement isolations on the railway for maintenance work and upgrade activities is a key metric for Network Rail, time lost during these outages could result in delays and significant costs. Thus, to streamline the isolation process, TPCMS version 5 provides Switching Schedule functionality which allows operators to automate isolation activities, considerably reducing the time to de-energise and re-energise the network.
Network Rail Programme Engineering Manager Steven Pope commented:
“The TPCMS control system platform is fundamental to our pursuit of improving safety and efficiency for our passengers.
“Ematics thoroughly reviewed the contracted scope and collaborated closely with internal clients and stakeholders at Network Rail. This systematic approach resulted in a clear design that provides Network Rail with a system that, as innovations are identified in the future, will allow continued development of the system architecture.”
Network Rail AC Subject Matter Expert Chris McClenn said:
“The feedback so far from the operators during training on the new system has been overwhelmingly positive, TPCMS version 5 delivers a modern user interface which vastly improves our ability to control and monitor the railway.”
Ematics SCADA Lead Jake Pike said:
“TPCMS has been a challenging but rewarding project that is driving the evolution of how we view control systems via the inclusion of forward-thinking functionality for automating day-to-day operations, taking the pressure off operators.”
We look forward to continuing to be part of the team comprising Ematics, Telent, Network Rail and Codra as TPCMS continues its deployment to the remaining areas of the UK.