First Train Simulator in Thailand by Local Thai 100%
Earlier, BTS Train Controller practiced their driving with the real train and at the real place. However, some of the practice couldn’t be done with the real train such as the case that the traction control system or brake system has damaged, etc. The major reason is safety. This is how we came up with the concept of Train Simulator in order to support this kind of work. However, the project hasn’t been launched due to the problem about space / location and because the frequent change of systems such as Train Radio System, Signalling System from Siemens has been changed to Bombadier, etc.
However, it is important to execute this project as Management Team of BTS has put priority on this. So, we think we should start from the small project (Not really small) with small budget so that we can have some output and then expand to the big project. We started drafting Term of Reference (TOR) and searching for the supplier to bid. There are 3 suppliers interested to participate, however, on the presentation day, one supplier has withdrawn and remain 2 suppliers which aggressively compete until we get the selected supplier “Growth More Corporations Ltd. (http://www.growthmore.co.th). The evaluation criteria is not only price, our committee is quite strict on both technical and administration. And after the long process of selection, there is no disappointment because both quality and price are good and a lot cheaper than the price of outsource from oversea almost 10 times. This might be because the supplier would like to raise their profile and use the performance with us as the reference for their future job as well. I think this is the reason that this supplier has devoted to this job and committed to the good performance from this job as they know it will then convert into a good reputation after. I must say that the output is quite beyond expectation and the final work is quite different than presented in TOR. It is because the current system always has an update. With this output, I think this is the win-win situation : BTS got the work that we expected and supplier has got raised up their profile (but all work has licensed for BTS only). As far as I talked with the supplier, they admitted that they are quite curious to do this; it is similar to a boy who’s getting the right toy. So, an effort is beyond 100%. So, the design that we work together is appropriately respond to the real situation others than work straightly according to TOR. This means we can say proudly that this is the first simulator train system that designed and executed by 100% local Thai. Even Thai Train Organization already has the train simulator system at Train Engineering School , however, that’s the general train system (Rail Diesel) which is quite different from our electric train system or BMCL or Airport Rail Link which never have.
As mentioned earlier, the objective of this simulator room is to simulate the situation where couldn’t be done in the real situation and the main concept that we design has focused on the operations others than Operating. We will focus on the innovative training. The participants will have to follow the operatiions procedure ; not only push the button or press the accelerator. The simulator machine will have to support the concept that the main driver who control the train will have to control the train to the destination safely and the passenger will have to conveniently been serviced, eithers in Normal operations , Degrade Operations or Emergency Operations.
Main elements of the train simulator room has divided into 6 parts as following :
1) Driver's Cab which can control the train similar to the real situation. Monitor which shows the route that the train is going to. (Driver's Cab : Driver Desk & Attendant desk) for example, every driving pattern (Auto/Manual), Open-close door, control of all the equipment inside the train.
2) Control Panel : It consist of Push Button, Switch,Circuit Breaker and indication lamp. The indication lamps will be indicated the fault and or others status of the train showing the same as in the real train (A&C Car Control Panel)
3) Train Model is using for monitoring the control of the indicator light and how it responses to various equipment such as Friction Brake Relese Valve (B09) , Parking Brake Release, PER / Passenger Emergency Release, etc. Moreover, the equipment on the train will also be able to use as the real situation such as the spinning of the wheel which correspond to the speed of the driving. The lighting in the train will be able to switch on-off the same as the real train.
4) Rail and train body (Nano Moving Train) is also be able to move as in real situation. This could be controlled or consider the route to switch the rail. Also, to check whether the parking is at the right stopping point.
5) Miniature Passenger door or Zoom door is using to practice the manual locking of door in case that the door is damaged and to open, Reset , passenger emergency release.
6) Trainer Console is using to control the simulated situation in order to verify that the trainee has follow the operations procedure of the organization
Elements of these equipment are all interlock. The execution is through computer software which has each server to support. Each of them work as a controller which has to receive-send data all the time.
The first employee group which use this simulator training room is attending a course called Train Controller 11-01/2012 which is now the 33rd class since open. We believe this will reduce both budget and time in training. This is a part of a tangible capital which will reduced. Moreover, this is consired the intangible capital as well. However, the training is still needed to be trained on the real train anyway because this is still be the best approach , to practice on the real route both Sukhumvit line and Silom line, also inside the depot. Staff should have the atmosphere of the real work especially during On site Practical Training, both during day time and night time and the practice with the mentor on Duty during the OJT (On the Job Training) in order to achieve the Policy and Operations Procedure.
ความเห็น (1)
Congratulation for your project.