Application of Remote Condition Monitoring in Different Rolling Stock Life Cycle Phases

NedTrain is the Netherlands Railway’s subsidiary responsible for rolling stock maintenance. The life cycle is 30-40 years where the asset condition is maintained to meet it’s performance requirements and is enhanced to meet the customer expectations through it’s life. The life cycle costs are roughly 1/3 for the new build investment and 2/3 for subsequent maintenance and further investments. Currently the rolling stock is maintained in fixed maintenance intervals of 3 months with in between service-checks and repairs. A more dynamic and pro-active maintenance approach is required due to the increased complexity of electronics and software, planning of maintenance in short intervals when less rolling stock is required for service and increased customer expectations. NedTrain started an innovation programme that includes remote condition monitoring of the asset condition of individual trains and use of the information to prepare maintenance activities before the train comes in for maintenance. This paper describes the work in progress in three case studies for existing rolling stock, mid-life refurbishment and new build rolling stock. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the International Scientific Committee of the "2 International Through-life Engineering Services Conference" and the Programme Chair – Ashutosh Tiwari.