8/7/2019 Rail Training Conference - Modern Simulation Training
Systems for Smooth and Safe
1/2
Modern simulation training systems for smooth and safe
railway operations
Steffen Gliniorz(a)
(a) Funkwerk Information Technologies GmbH
Article Information
Keywords:Simulation,Training,
Signalmen,Train controllers.
Corresponding author:Steffen GliniorzTel.: +49 (0) 431 2481
449Fax.: +49 (0) 431 2481
501e-mail:[email protected]: Edisonstrasse 3,
24145Kiel, Germany
Abstract
Purpose:Practise-oriented state-of-the-art simulator training
for smooth and safe railway operations
Method:Simulation training for signalmen and train
dispatchers
Result:Increased safety on the railway network and fewer delays
due to enhanced handlingconfidence
Discussion & Conclusion:Integrated simulation training in
railway organisations is a must and virtual reality will be apart
of it in future.
1 Introduction
Europes leading simulation training system forsignallers is the
Operations and Interlocking SimulationSystem BEST developed by
Funkwerk InformationTechnologies GmbH (Funkwerk IT). Within the
last 20years Funkwerk IT has delivered simulation systems
andtraining concepts to nearly 20 different railway and
metroorganisations. Every year approximately 3,500 traincontrollers
and signalmen from Europes major railwaysand metros are trained
with BEST. The presentation givesan overview on the different
applications of simulationtraining systems at numerous railway
systems worldwidelike Deutsche Bahn AG DB AG), Austrian
Railways(BB), Swiss Railways (SBB) and Infrabel.
2 Enhanced quality in the training ofsignalmen and train
dispatchers dueto simulation training
Operating railways with maximum safety and perfectlyon time
requires highly developed safety systems andefficiently trained
train traffic controllers and signalmen.Most signalmen and train
traffic controllers today aretrained by using realistic simulation
systems to gain withina short period of time valuable experience
and to learnhow to reduce the negative effects of disruptions
andtechnical failures to a minimum.
The main benefit of the BEST simulation is theenhanced quality
of the training sessions. For each basic,start-up or refresher
training session a defined training
scenario can be loaded into the simulation and eachsituation can
be repeated as often as required.
Additionally the training-only environment differssignificantly
from training in operational control centreswhere trainees and
trainers are often distracted by thecurrent operation and ad-hoc
problems.
Fig. 1 Joint training scenario in a team.
Furthermore the BEST simulation system can emulatedifferent
interlocking systems and traffic control systems inone simulator.
It is possible to simulate local controlpanels, remote control of
relay interlocking and electronicinterlocking. Different training
scenarios are possible withthe simulation. The trainees can work
independently attheir own workplace or they can work together in a
jointscenario with different roles and defined responsibilities.In
such a scenario the local control can be operated byone trainee and
others can be responsible for thecentralised control from a control
centre. This facilitatesthe running of training courses for
different interlocking
