Make Way for A Reliable Points Controller – International Application by PILZ
September 22, 2022
Modernization sets the pace
The main requirement when retrofitting the points controllers for the urban railway and trams in several of Poland’s major cities was safety and reliability. That’s because the control systems in use were obsolete and sensitive to temperature variations. In many places, points could only be passed at 10 km/h, which prevented attractive, clock-face scheduling. The Polish company ZUE S.A. is an expert in the field of modernizing rail infrastructure and took charge of modernization. This included: The railway-proven automation system PSS 4000. As the heart of the solution, it ensures safe and reliable points control – and, thanks to its modular structure and simple commissioning, it enabled the retrofit to be carried out while rail operations continued.
Robust and reliable solution for railway infrastructure
ZUE has been using the automation system PSS 4000 to retrofit points controllers since 2017: The points on the urban railway and trams can now be controlled safely in all weathers because, with its temperature-resistant modules and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), PSS 4000 can withstand mechanical stresses such as condensation and increased vibration, even in unheated control cabinets. However, should an error or fault arise, this can easily be identified and located by the dispatchers thanks to the web-based visualization software PASvisu. With PASvisu, they constantly have an overview of all system components as well as extensive remote maintenance options. After the retrofit, the points in the Polish rail operator’s network comply with safety integrity level SIL 3. Passengers benefit because travel times have been reduced by 50 per cent on the modernized lines.
Benefits at a glance
- •Increased safety: PSS 4000 includes the railway-specific safety approvals
- •Greater reliability: Malfunctions or disasters due to incorrectly set points are practically excluded
- •Saves time: The clear, logical structure of the automation system accelerated the project, from engineering and operation through to maintenance
Customer statement
“The product quality and reliability of the automation system PSS 4000 are excellent. Many rail operators are already using various versions of the system successfully. What’s more, PILZ stands for fast delivery, first-class support, and competent advice!”
– Tomasz Szczypek, Head of Innovation and Engineering at ZUE S.A.
About ZUE S.A.
ZUE S.A., part of the ZUE Group, was founded in 2002 and is one of the leading companies in the field of public transport infrastructure construction in Poland. The company develops concepts and solutions in trams and railways. ZUE S.A. offers a wide range of services in the construction and modernization of rail networks and overhead line systems. Today, the company has its headquarters in Kraków and employs more than 900 staff.
PILZ’s product in the application: Controllers PSSuniversal in the automation system PSS 4000
The PSSuniversal controllers are available for varied safety-related and standard applications. Combined with I/O modules, they are used as stand-alone controllers or within a network in the automation system PSS 4000.
To learn more about the PSS 4000, click here
