The Wavetrain level crossing warning system installed at a foot path or bridle way crossing detects mixed rolling stock at variable speed giving ample warning time. The Wavetrain concept uses acoustic energy traveling through the rails to detect trains. Trains generate a lot of noise that is trapped in the rails. The energy moves at five thousand meters per second and is picked up by the Wavetrain sensors clamped to the rails. Computers interprets the information and activates lights and sounders for safe passage across the tracks. 

This concept differs from the traditional train detection systems used by the railways. A traditional system uses the train itself at a given distance from the crossing to activate warning measures at the crossing. The distance is calculated by using the line speed combined with the required warning time. A conventional system results in a warning time distribution linked to the actual train speeds. Slower trains will have longer warning times, while trains travelling at line speed will have the preferred warning time. Locations with mixed train speeds will have an unwanted distribution of warning time. Usually very long warning times may make the crosser impatient. The industry would of course prefer the warning time to be absolute and not dependent on train speed. Intrinsically, trains travel at speeds that are dependent on many factors. We have all experienced disruptions in train schedules when travelling by train. The different factors influencing train travel also makes consistent warning time a hard target to reach. 

Wavetrains concept alleviates on the traditional train detection concept. Using sound energy in the rails and a flexible adjustment of parameters a more consistent warning time distribution can be achieved. Mixed rolling stock and mixed train speeds generates sufficient information to secure ample warning time with a lower median to secure reliable and more persistent warning times for crossers of the railway. The Wavetrain level crossing warning system was type approved for foot paths and bridle ways in the UK market April 2022 (PA05/06636). Currently, integration with approved warning measures is tested for operational use. Wavetrain is looking forward to reducing risk for the crossers of the railway.