This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Course Outline
Overview of Car Types and Equipment Locations
Train Dynamics
- Acceleration, deceleration, tractive effort, grades and curves
- Adhesion, rotational inertia, speed time distance curve
Propulsion System
- Route profile, AC Propulsion system, Dynamic brakes
- Energy recovery/storage
- Control Features
Friction Braking System
- Physics and types of braking systems
- Brake control and stop distance
Power Collection
- Third rail power/Catenary power
- AC and DC power supply systems
- Rail gaps and phase breaks
Automatic Train Control and On-Car Interfaces
- ATP/ATO/ATS
- Implementation technology
- Positive train control (PTC)
Vehicle Physical Systems
Door Systems
- Types of doors, controls, and operation
- Safety circuits and failsafe design
Coupler
- Button vs pin, Drum switch, Retractable
- Safety
Auxiliary Power System
- Design of auxiliary inverters
- Calculating auxiliary loads and aux sizing
- Starting sequencing
Low Voltage Power Supply/Battery System
- Design of LVPS
- Design of the battery charging system
- Emergency loads
- Types of batteries for rail application
Passenger Information Systems
- Criticality and ADA
- Destination signs, Voice announcements, WiFi
Lighting
- Distribution and Intensity
- APTA emergency lighting requirements
Data Systems
- Fault information and management system
- Equipment logs (ATC, propulsion, etc.)
- Event Recorders
- Wayside communication and storage
- Interface to maintenance systems
Integration, Reliability, and Procurement
Train Control Architecture
- Physical trainlines, Networks, Failsafe design
- Circuit examples
Vehicle System Integration
- Challenges with multiple designers
- Physical, Electrical, Software integration
- Integration with wayside and environment
RAMS
- Reliability prediction
- Availability and Maintainability
- Safety, risk assessment, FMECAs
- NFPA-130
Industry Standards and Regulations
- Applicability of standards
- Federal and state regulations
Fleet Procurement
- Initial planning and Proposals
- Design, Construction, Testing, and Delivery
- System integration
Cybersecurity
- Why is it important and factors to consider
Operations and Maintenance
Assimilation of rail fleet into existing rail systems
- Operator and Maintenance training
- Unique features of each property
- Developing parts description and stocking inventory
Maintenance
- Periodic maintenance
- Time based, mileage based, condition based
- Overhaul of sub-systems
Program Director & Instructors
James Dietz
Retired, Vehicle Engineering
James Dietz is a Senior Vice President (mostly retired) for Hatch in Philadelphia and has worked in the passenger rail transportation industry for over 40 years. Dietz spent 10 years working for GE in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he designed propulsion and auxiliary control systems for rail and off-highway vehicles. Subsequent to GE, he has worked for LTK (now part of Hatch) as a senior consultant for many rail procurements including for LIRR, MBTA, NYCT, PATH, and WMATA. He is a founding member and past Chair of the IEEE Rail Transportation Standards Committee, where he has both led and participated in the development of IEEE rail standards.
Sachit Kakkar
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Kakkar is a Professional Engineer with 33 years of operational, engineering and management experience in design, acquisitions, maintenance and reliability improvement of rolling stock equipment. Mr. Kakkar holds bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and Professional Engineering license from Washington, DC.
Sachit Kakkar is the Deputy Chief Operating Officer – Bus & Rail for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is responsible for day-to-day rail operations, maintenance of all rail vehicles, operational safety improvements, fleet reliability improvements, new fleet acquisition and fleet upgrades.
Dave Peterson
Department Administrator, Program Director
Dave is the Program Director for the University of Wisconsin–Madison Railroad Engineering and Operations Program. The program consists of 12 courses conducted annually on topics ranging from introduction to railroad engineering and operations to signaling, bridges, crossings, and traction power. He is also the Department Administrator for Interdisciplinary Professional Programs. Dave has a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering and an MBA from UW–Madison.
-
Program Director
Dave Peterson