Electricity + Control November 2017

round up

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

Intelligent Approach to Africa’s Mobility Revolution Kevin Pillay, Siemens Africa

T he need and demand for intelligent mobility in Africa has nev- er been greater – World Economic Forum competitiveness data reveals that only three African countries feature in the top 50 globally for quality of roads, quality of rail and quality of ports infrastructure respectively. World Bank data also indicates that the Sub-Saharan African railway network has declined to 59,634 km today, down from 65,661 km in 1980 with only about 70% of the railway network in operational state. At face value, it seems as though the continent faces insur- mountable transport challenges. But the reality is that we are al- ready setting the wheels in motion to create interconnected, more modern and efficient African transport networks that keep econo- mies on the move, rather than hindering them. This development will not happen overnight, and will be realised one step at a time. Intelligent traffic systems In many African cities traffic infrastructure is plagued by unreliable power supply. Road infrastructure cannot handle peak traffic (i.e. faulty traffic lights), not because of technology but because of the lack of proper technological investment.The challenge is partly that

tems affect a country’s ability to attract and maintain investment. So where do we begin? The adoption of Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITSs) will keep Af- rica’s busiest cities as fast-moving investment destinations. ITSs include deployment of smart sensor systems with intelligent algo- rithms to automatically adapt to improve traffic flow. Two-way communication can be enabled by running fibre be- tween traffic junctions and a central control centre to gather infor- mation from intelligent networked systems, sensors and cameras at every junction. This allows traffic lights to be adjusted according to demand. Nigeria’s Edo State government recently announced its inten- tion to upgrade to a technologically-advanced ITS that provides re- al-time traffic information in Benin City. As part of the integrated solution, motorists and commuters will be informed about travel times, weather conditions and traffic jams on radio or online. With all traffic management systems automated and digitalised, tech- nology like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras can be utilised to efficiently enforce traffic rules. Average Speed Over Distance (ASOD) technology captures the

these traffic systems have grown in an uncoordinated way, with lots of different suppliers and systems cobbled together. Inefficiencies in these transport sys-

time when a specific vehicle enters and exits the ASOD zone. The journey time is compared against the distance travelled and authorities are automat- ically notified if the prescribed speed limit was ex- ceeded. This improves the safety of drivers, passen- gers and pedestrians. It also minimises the risk of corruption, while promoting best practice among traffic enforcement officers who are exposed to a new skillset when trained in operating these new systems.

A well-integrated intelligent multi- modal transport network reduces traffic congestion and CO 2 emissions.

Automated rail infrastructure Another effective means of reducing congestion on overburdened and under maintained roads in Africa is through greater investment in upgrading passenger rail networks. Some of the world’s cities with the most advanced transport networks feature fast, efficient, safe and clean rail mobility networks powered by Siemens, and African cities can benefit from expertise in centralised traffic man- agement and automation systems, including train control systems with minimum line side equipment linked to modern control cen- tres. A clear case in point is the Gauteng Nerve Centre (GNC) in South Africa. The 3 400 m 2 state-of-the art control centre for cen- tralised rail traffic management in South Africa’s economic hub of Gauteng accommodates 35 train control operators in one place, and constantly monitors Gauteng’s rail traffic where over 600 trains carry more than 500 000 commuters on a daily basis. The GNC boasts world-class automation capabilities and can immediately respond to any operating failures, accidents and oth- er incidents, thereby enabling greater efficiencies in rail operations and train safety, while offering a more reliable service through higher infrastructure utilisation. Siemens’ proven railway capabil- ities are set be bolstered further, following the mobility business’

8 Electricity + Control

NOVEMBER 2017