Modular Yard Automation (MYA) In this yard, a 65 car cut was classified in 25 minutes

Global Rail Systems Modular Yard Automation (MYA)

Definition

The Global Rail Systems Modular Yard Automation system (MYA) enables a railroad to implement scalable automated solutions to increase safety, productivity and efficiency in any rail yard application.

System Description

Each MYA system is comprised of the following standard and/or optional systems;
1. Switch machine sub-system
2. Communication sub-system
3. Switch occupancy zone sub-system
4. Switch Control sub-system
5. Yard Management software
6. System Components and Features

With the above sub-systems properly integrated, Global Rail Systems provides a scalable process for automating a yard of any size or traffic volume.

1. Switch Machine Sub-System

Global Rail Systems TS-4500 power switch machine is the latest in technology design allowing a cost effective solution to increase safety and reliability in yard and mainline switch control applications. The unique patent pending design incorporates the best practices of applied engineering for force generation and switch point holding force. The reduction of linkages and the use of sealed bearings ensures increased reliability and minimizes maintenance requirements lowering the overall cost of ownership. The direct drive design maximizes the available power for throwing any size switch point. The spring holding force is easily adjusted and will not cause track structure failure due to excessive impact during throwing or while in the holding position. The field serviceable spring assembly allows maximum availability and reliability.

Global Rail Systems provides multiple options for switch machines. We can supply the NGS, or the switch machine of your choice.

2. Communication System Sub-System

In a MYA system the communication method depends on how the railroad wants to control the switches in the yard. Global Rail Systems provides either a data or UHF-VHF radio control. If the system is to be controlled from a centrally located control center or a touch screen PC application, the data radio is used. The MYA system can utilize any of the existing serial data protocols that the railroad industry is currently using such as ATCS, Genesis, DT4, DT8, MCS1 etc.

If the switch is to be controlled by a ground crew, a radio is installed that will work with the hand held voice radio. If the railroad is using a VHF radio then we provide the appropriate VHF radio tuned to the frequency that the railroad is licensed to use. The ground crew will use the DTMF key pad on their hand set to send a switch position request.

The MYA system can also utilize telephone modems or fiber optic networks as other means of integrating into a communications network. Once the communications link is established the system will provide normal, reverse, out of correspondence point position indication and Over the Switch Zone (OS) occupancy to the office system.

3. Switch Zone Detection Sub-System System (OS)

In a MYA system, safety is always the first priority in the implementation of our design. Depending on the system requirements, Global Rail Systems/SI can provide a full OS system to prevent the switch from being thrown while the OS is occupied and will also eliminate side swipes. This requires just two insulated joints to be installed on the turnout side of the control point just behind the switch points. A single track circuit can also be utilized to protect the switch from being thrown in the face of a car or while occupied without the need for insulated joints. The track circuits are four wire, closed loop track circuits designed according to AREMA recommended practices.

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