CEFF’S TRAINING SIMULATORS FOR OPERATION WITH ERTMS-ETCS

The CEFF (Centro Europeo de Formación Ferroviaria) increases its already extensive practical simulation training capacity by incorporating new Simulators for Training Train Drivers in the ERTMS/ETCS system, installed in its headquarters back in June and developed by CITEF.

This project positions CEFF as the first private training Centre in Spain to have an ERTMS/ETCS system simulator, which is evidence of CEFF’s commitment to innovation for the constant improvement of its students’ training.

The training system comprises eight portable driving stations, geared towards self-learning, which require a minimum intervention of the instructor and generate automated performance reports that can be consulted by the trainer.

Within CITEF’s continued innovation strategy, the driving stations have been developed as a web application which renders them more portable, intuitive and easy to use.

In terms of rolling stock, the simulator has a detailed model of a high-speed train with the main driving controls and is focused mainly on driving with the ERTMS/ETCS system. The controls are integrated into two ergonomic arms, easily removable and portable, which contribute towards achieving an optimal immersive sensation for the highest quality training.

As this system is mainly focused on the ERTMS/ETCS system, it also includes a detailed simulation of the main trackside and on-board equipment.

The on-board equipment simulation includes the main driving modes both at Levels 1 and 2, following the Baseline 3 Release 2 specifications. It also includes a reliable simulation of the driver machine interface (DMI) to familiarise students with the environment as if they were driving in a real train.

As for the line, over thirty kilometres of fully functional double tracks and two stations have been simulated, plus the functionalities of the Radio Block Centre (RBC) and the interlocking.

In terms of training, twenty exercises covering most functional scenarios, both basic and advanced, that can be encountered in real operation have been designed and will be included in student training from now on.

A reduced Control Station has also been included. This allows students to practice elementary scenarios such as the request to override a signal without the intervention of the instructor.

All this is connected to a three-dimensional graphical environment that allows students to travel on the track with a visual reference from the driving cabin, seeing the state of the signals and switches, positions of the beacons or the speed limit or pantograph lowering signs, among others.



With this project, CITEF continues to reinforce its presence in the Spanish Railway Training Centre sector with simulators already developed for CEFF itself, Transfesa, and ALSA.