The Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) has been used by software developer Argenta and its partner Cyth Systems to test an innovative new product that aims to improve rail freight safety.

Testing the functionality of freight wagons is normally carried out when they are stationary, using standalone equipment that draws power externally, normally from a battery pack with a limited charge capacity.

To power the software that monitors wagon systems, the new product incorporates a self-generating, wireless power unit with extra storage capacity.

The product has the advantage that it can be installed on wagons whenever it is needed.

The monitoring software checks for problems so that can be highlighted, and either fixed on-site, or flagged up for the wagon to be taken in for maintenance before any further problems arise, thereby preventing a potential fault that may lead to an accident.

An initial £15,000 grant from Innovate UK Business Growth allowed Argenta and Cyth to use BCIMO’s facilities to acquire data to support the product’s development.

The companies spent a day at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre’s Rail Development & Test Site in Dudley at the end of February.

Argenta and Cyth are now analysing the data they gathered during the track test, with the next stage to be the design of a range of concepts for the prototype.

The companies are also considering whether to apply for the second year of the Clean Futures Accelerator programme, which provides £50,000 towards demonstrating innovations to key rail industry stakeholders and prospective investors.

The grant also provides comprehensive technical and commercial support from BCIMO and access to the centre’s on-site facilities.

During their visit to BCIMO, the centre was hosting an ongoing test for the Harry Needle Railroad Company and Advanced Hydrogen Technologies Group, which offered to work with Argenta on their test.

Argenta’s product was installed alongside AHT technology’s product on the HNRC locomotive so that both products could operate and capture data simultaneously.

For our project we needed to acquire data from a train whilst travelling at reasonable speed and for these requirements, the BCIMO facilities were perfect. The people that we worked with were knowledgeable and really supportive in getting our project activity completed.

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others or come back in the future when requirements arise.

Chris Woodhams, Argenta Managing Director