https://m.facebook.com/mtrupdate/photos/a.277941155550169.80305.188207124523573/1972465542764380/?type=3
訊號系統的核心,包括自動列車控制系統(Automatic Train Control)以及「聯鎖機制」(Interlocking)
自動列車控制系統的壽命一般為 20 年不等,因此不同的行車綫在增加運力的同時,亦會分批改用全新,且以通訊為本方式運作的行車訊號:
3036 號訊號系統置換合約
市區綫 及 機場鐵路逐步於 2018 至 2026 年起,改用法國 ALSTOM 及 Thales 的 #AdvancedSeltrac 系統
「沙田至中環綫」1152B 號置換訊號系統合約
東鐵綫預計於 2018 年起,改用德國 Siemens 的 #Trainguard MT 系統
「沙田至中環綫」1152 號更新訊號系統機組合約
西鐵綫、馬鞍山綫:2018 年起更新現有的法國 #Thales #Seltrac 機組
在置換訊號系統期間,傳統、簡單而可靠的軌道電路(Track Circuit)會維持運作,亦只會由新的聯鎖機制,限制可以設定的路線
即使行車綫上同時有使用新、舊車載電腦的列車一同行駛,他們仍有多重機制保持安全車距
而東鐵綫會待列車裝妥新車載電腦後,一次過切換至新訊號系統,軌道電路亦會在切換前後如常運作
其實,香港過去曾有四次置換行車訊號,以及多次安裝全新訊號系統的經驗,包括:
1996、1997、1998 年
市區綫 及 東鐵綫 分別改用法國 #Alstom SACEM 及 TBL 系統
每次工程都要經過詳細設計,以及在車廠內測試多達近百個列車或軌旁設備故障的情景
同時,機電工程署 以及 安全顧問亦會詳細審核風險應變計劃,確保轉用新訊號系統前後的行車安全
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Automatic Train Control and Interlocking mechanism is the core of signalling system
The expected life of Automatic Train Control system is about 20 years therefore different running lines will adopt brand new communication-based signalling during the capacity boost :
Contact 3036 replacement of signalling
Urban Lines and Lantau Airport Railway will adopt French-made ALSTOM and Thales AdvancedSeltrac Signalling gradually from 2018 - 2026
Shatin to Central Link Contract 1152B Replacement of Signalling
It is estimated East Rail Line will switch to German-made Siemens Trainguard MT Signalling from 2018
Shatin to Central Link Contract 1151 signalling modifications
Signalling components on West Rail and Ma On Shan Lines will be updated from 2018
The simple and traditional Track Circuits will keep operating during the re-signalling process thus trains can keep apart at a safe distance through multiple mechanisms even trains are using new and legacy Trainborne Computer on the same running line
While East Rail Line will perform a one-time switchover once the new Trainborne Computers are ready each train. Track Circuits will remain in operation before and after the changeover
Hong Kong has four re-signalling and new signalling installation experience in the past including :
1996, 1997, 1998
Urban Lines and East Rail Line switched to French-made Alstom SACEM and TBL Signalling respectively
Each re-signalling work must go through a very-detailed design. Hundreds of disruption scenarios for both train-borne and trackside equipment are being tested inside depot
Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and safety consultant will also examine these risk and contingency plans to ensure trains are safe to run before and after the re-signalling work #MTR