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KNX Railway Solutions

KNX is a globally recognized standard for building automation, facilitating the integration and control of various systems such as lighting, HVAC, and security within a unified platform. In railway stations, KNX technology enhances operational efficiency, energy conservation, and passenger comfort.

KNX technology provides a flexible and scalable solution for railway station building automation. Its advantages span multiple domains, making it highly effective for both small stations and expansive networks.

Benefits of KNX in Railway Stations

  1. Energy Efficiency:

    • KNX optimizes energy consumption through intelligent control of lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
    • Occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting ensure lighting is only used when needed.
    • HVAC systems can be adjusted dynamically based on passenger presence and outdoor conditions.

  2. Enhanced Passenger Comfort:

    • Automated systems ensure optimal lighting and temperature levels.
    • Shading controls manage glare and regulate indoor temperatures in waiting areas and offices.

  3. Operational Efficiency:

    • Centralized monitoring and control enable railway operators to manage multiple systems efficiently.
    • Automation reduces the need for manual intervention, ensuring consistent performance.

  4. Safety and Security:

    • KNX integrates with fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, and access controls.
    • Real-time alerts for anomalies or failures ensure quick response to emergencies.

  5. Scalability and Interoperability:

    • KNX’s open protocol supports seamless integration with other systems like BACnet and Modbus.
    • It is ideal for future-proofing infrastructure, allowing for easy upgrades and expansions.

Applications in Railway Stations

  1. Lighting Control:

    • Dynamic control of platform, corridor, and station lighting based on real-time occupancy and natural light levels.
    • Dimming and scheduling reduce power consumption during off-peak hours.

  2. HVAC Automation:

    • Maintaining optimal air quality and temperature in waiting areas, ticket counters, and staff offices.
    • Integration with weather sensors for climate-responsive adjustments.

  3. Public Address and Display Systems:

    • Synchronizing announcement and display schedules with train arrivals and departures.
    • Automated triggering of emergency messages.

  4. Integration of Renewable Energy Sources:

    • KNX supports the integration of solar panels and energy storage systems for sustainable energy management.

 

KNX MPA: Integrating Multiple Railway Stations on a Single SCADA Head-End

NETx Automation’s software solutions are highly suitable for managing the complex automation needs of railway networks with multiple stations. The company’s NETx BMS Platform and NETx Multi-Protocol Server offer robust tools for centralized control and monitoring.

Key Features for Multi-Station Integration

  1. Multi-Protocol Support:

    • The NETx BMS Platform integrates protocols such as KNX, BACnet, Modbus, OPC, and MQTT.
    • This allows diverse subsystems across stations to be connected to a unified SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system.

  2. Centralized SCADA Management:

    • A single SCADA head-end can visualize and monitor all connected stations in real time.
    • Operators can oversee lighting, HVAC, fire alarms, and security systems from one interface.

  3. Data Exchange Across Stations:

    • The platform enables seamless data sharing between stations, facilitating synchronized operations.
    • For example, energy consumption data can be aggregated across stations for predictive maintenance and resource allocation.

  4. Alarm Management and Event Logging:

    • The system collects and prioritizes alarms from multiple stations, ensuring critical events are addressed promptly.
    • Historical event logs are available for audit and optimization purposes.

  5. Smart Metering:

    • Integration with KNX energy meters allows monitoring of power usage across the network.
    • Detailed reports help identify inefficiencies and reduce operational costs.

  6. Customizable Dashboards:

    • The SCADA interface is customizable, allowing operators to focus on station-specific or network-wide metrics.
    • Intuitive visualizations help improve situational awareness.

Case Study: Rhaetian Railway (RhB), Switzerland

The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) operates an extensive network in Switzerland’s Graubünden region. At its Landquart infrastructure base, RhB implemented a KNX-based intelligent lighting control system to optimize energy usage while ensuring safety and comfort for its 75 employees. The system utilizes B.E.G. occupancy and motion detectors to manage lighting across various areas, including vehicle halls with ceiling heights up to 7 meters. These detectors adjust lighting based on occupancy and natural light availability, significantly reducing energy consumption. Additionally, in passageways, the system maintains a minimal lighting level during inactivity to enhance safety without unnecessary energy expenditure.

Case Study: Shijiazhuang Metro Lines, China

Although not in Europe, the Shijiazhuang Metro Lines in China provide a notable example of KNX technology in railway stations. ABB’s i-bus® KNX building automation system was implemented across 26 stations and control centers of Metro Line 1 and Line 3 Phase I. This system offers smart control over lighting, temperature, ventilation, and shading, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs. Notably, five stations employed the DALI dimming system to control approximately 2,000 LED lights, achieving around a 4% reduction in daily power consumption through intelligent lighting mode timing control.

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