Managing infrastructure EMC

Integration is the term given to ensuring that the different elements of an electrified railway operate together to achieve the desired result. It is particularly necessary where interfaces exist between the high power traction units or electrification distribution system, and the low power signalling and communications control systems. Railway authorities in the past have found difficulty in implementing a management strategy that will ensure railway electrical systems are integrated. New railway projects and the privatisation of railways tend to divide the design process and contracts into separate engineering disciplines. This presentation seeks to explain the challenge of integrating the railway and the difficulties of determining suitable procurement arrangements commonly experienced in rail projects. Additionally it will demonstrate how railway authorities are being challenged by this difficult task of integrating electrical systems. The challenge of integrating the electrical systems will not be made any easier as client and public expectations of new rail transit systems require the railway designers to incorporate more versatile and sophisticated electrified railway and tram networks.