Technology
A revolutionary solution
Although actual physical connecting of two trains/wagons today is possible using automatic couplers, it still requires one train to be at rest while the other approaches at very low speed (less than 5 km/h).
Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) project under Shift2Rail program aims to standardize the automatic couplers used for freight and provide better control over the coupling procedure, but even with all these new solutions, the coupling at standstill occupies track time, preventing other rail services.
‘Dynamic Coupling’, i.e., coupling in motion technology developed by DirecTrainS is a cutting-edge method designed to physically and quickly couple/decouple trains at high speeds (~ 120km/h). It enables trains or parts of trains and single wagons to connect and disconnect for any required purpose without stopping or decelerating, thus saving an enormous amount of energy.
The coupling and decoupling procedures which require full autonomous train operation are limited to safety “coupling zones”.
These are the only areas where trains would be allowed to get closer than an absolute braking distance to perform physical coupling/decoupling while in motion.
The process of the dynamic coupling / decoupling comprises following steps:
- Negotiation – trains are far apart (normal breaking distance).
- Approach – follower and leader are in ATO (Automatic Train Operation) mode
- Coupling – Physical connection of the two running trains
- Run – coupled vehicles get out of the coupling zone as a single regular train
DYNAMIC COUPLING
According to our research, conducted in collaboration with Department of Transport and Planning at TU Delft, using existing railway infrastructure, Dynamic Coupling technology has the potential to increase track capacity by ~ 40%.
DTS’s unique technology enables rail providers and manufacturers to meet the goal of GreenDeal, improve services and reach other quality and economy targets.
As such DTS’s technology is bound to revolutionize travel time and passenger experience, catalyze the transition from private to public transportation and provide a unique, feasible solution for future megacities transportation.
Dynamic Coupling was designed to perform along the new rail solutions such as ‘Moving Blocks’ and ‘Virtual Coupling’ and to improve their TTM and cost.
