ACCAT

ACCAT

ACCAT (Adhesion Controllers Conditions Assessment Tool) is designed as an analytical tool to aid in the adhesion management decision-making process. Moisture, adhesion and leaf contamination data is collected and analysed on a real-time basis, and recommendations towards adhesion management strategies are provided. In addition to providing real-time information ACCAT provides predicted forecasts up to 6 hours ahead. ACCAT contributes towards the safe running of the railway.

Graphical user interface

		Central Line interface
		Metropolitan Line interface
		District Line interface
		Jubilee Line interface

Easy to use

ACCAT requires little user intervention, with most data sources being fully automated. In addition, local site-specific information can be captured by users whilst on location.

Vital information at your fingertips

ACCAT interfaces with ADAS, the MET Office, remote moisture sensors, train-borne sensors and numerous other sources to gather information. Administrators are immediately notified if any communication with external interfaces fails.

In addition ACCAT keeps many site-specific parameters including vegetation severity, line orientation and gradient.

This data is continuously analysed and interpreted based on complex logic algorithms and the result is presented as a graphical visual display for end-user interpretation and decision making. The visual impact of the application provides for easy analysis of the information as it is presented in a concise format.

The top-level display uses a colour-coded key to display the calculated risk for each site. Further information is available for each site and the underlying causes of the risk category can be determined.

ACCAT further simplifies the overall decision-making process by providing recommendations and courses of action to mitigate the adhesion risk.

At configured times the application generates “Mitigation Recommendations” which identify sections of the railway that are potentially high risk and require action. This site-specific display benefits the railway by identifying the critical sites so that adhesion management can be effectively targeted.

	Data can be extracted over selected date ranges and analysed using sophisticated graphing tools
	Powerful diagram tools allow users to identify the flow of data and decisions in the application
		Data from numerous sources is analysed and presented in simple colour coded dialogs

Using the latest technology

Originally designed in Microsoft Visual Basic using a Microsoft Access database, the application has evolved and is now developed in Microsoft C# and targets the Microsoft.NET 4.0 framework with a SQL Server database. The application uses AJAX to enable real-time updates to the webpage. Interactive web graphics are developed in SVG (and now in Microsoft Silverlight 4.0) providing an attractive, scalable and simple user interface. Hosted on the internet, the application is available at any time from any location via a secure login.

The application takes advantage of the rapidly expanding wireless technology to bring near-instant processing power for remote data. This enables connection to Remote Railhead Moisture Sensors distributed across the rail network and to train-borne sensors.