LYFE CICLE COSTING MATTERS: THE AXLE COUNTER REVOLUTION (Part 1)

Abstract

This paper shows the main features of the two technological generations of electronic axle counters that are nowadays in the market. In the following it is summarized the axle counter system concept and pointed out the comparison of the old fashioned electronic generation of axle counter systems with the new one generation, state of the art, recently released by the main players in the market. Designing products and solutions for being reliable, easily engineered, configured and operated, while in parallel providing the best features to reduce the maintenance, renewals and disposal efforts to a minimum is nowadays a mandate and the axle counter technology has been benefited for this trend. The new technology shows design features that are focused in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A second paper to be published by the authors will highlight the results of the LCC analysis obtained with these two product generations. This second paper should convince all consultant companies and railway operators about which is the right choose when preparing basic designs or performing purchases of this kind of track vacancy detection devices.