SINGAPORE – An Independent Advisory Panel (IAP) commissioned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), has reviewed and recommended improvements to the MRT and LRT power supply systems.
According to LTA, IAP recommended several changes to operating standards and recovery actions to improve rail reliability.
It added that the design of the rail system should provide for a maximum downtime of five minutes during faults, with system recovery achieved within 20 minutes.
Here are a few recommendations:
1. Mitigate problems before they occur
– Monitor power equipment to detect faults early
– Consider replacing critical power supply assets five years before the end of specified lifespan
– Increase maintenance regime for assets due for replacement until they are fully replaced
2. Perform recovery options without affecting system performance
– Establishing the Intelligent Fault Identification System (iFIS) which will allow operators to pinpoint exact fault locations quickly
– Review protection systems so that they will trip only specific stretches when triggered.
3. Restore system performance quickly before fault escalates to power outage
– Enable faster switch-over to alternative power supply in the event of a loss of power supply
– Conduct exercises to hone operators’ familiarity with response and recovery efforts
– Create database to facilitate fault diagnosis for future incidents
Touching on the recommendations, LTA said that it is working with operators on the replacement schedule for ageing power assets.
It has also tested and will implement the Intelligent Fault Identification System for the Downtown Line, Thomson-East Coast Line and future lines. LTA will also expand this system to all existing lines.
It will also be replacing the voltage system to isolate power trips.
LTA added that it will work with operators to conduct technical exercises in a simulated live operating environment to improve recovery response.
Read the full report here.
debwong@sph.com.sg
