AIRTRANS, an Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) system built by the Vought Corporation, has provided transit service for passengers at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport since January 1974. This successful deployment of AGT technology prompted the investigation of the extension of the technology. Independent assessments were made by the Transportation Systems Center and by Vought to determine what changes or improvements would be required to operate AIRTRANS in an urban application. The recommendations were: higher operating speeds; better passenger acceptance; reduced capital and operating costs; increased reliability; enhanced all-weather capability; and increased energy efficiency. The AUTP was structured into a two-phase program. Phase I was completed in 1977. The first phase covered the development and demonstration of the improvements necessary for higher speed operation, while maintaining or improving reliability, availability, cost, and performance characteristics of the overall system. Using Phase I as a building block, other recommendations for improvements in AIRTRANS for urban applications were addressed in Phase II. This volume describes the control system improvements incorporated in the P40 vehicle and the AIRTRANS supervisory data system software additions for dual block occupancy alarm features and P40 passenger vehicle identity. Under the control system improvements, the objectives have been to continue development of the longitudinal velocity control systems as embodied in a new third generation Vehicle Control and Electronics Unit; implement improved functional design features in the areas of data communications, directional reversability, dual side doors, automatic test and checkout capability, built-in manual control, slip/slide detection, supervisory data system software and improved entrainment capability. Significant progress in the AIRTRANS control system's area has been demonstrated in simulation, laboratory tests, and guideway evaluation.
AIRTRANS Urban Technology Program - Phase II. Volume 1: Control System Improvements
1979
63 pages
Report
No indication
English