At the recent Railway Safety Conference in Cape Town, hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator, Railways Africa editor Phillippa Dean had the opportunity to learn about TrackView, a revolutionary product developed in South Africa. TrackView, as presented by Kent Gibbon and Tiaan Kunneke, is a patented technology designed to address the critical issues of theft and vandalism that plague the South African railway industry.
Theft and vandalism have significantly disrupted the efficiency of South Africa’s railways, both operationally and economically. Traditional railway infrastructure components such as copper cables, batteries, and solar panels are frequently targeted by thieves, leaving systems vulnerable. TrackView, developed locally in South Africa and funded by the Technology Innovation Agency, offers a durable, cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for these valuable materials.
How TrackView Works
TrackView is an IoT (Internet of Things) device that attaches to the side of a sleeper on the track. It sends electrical impulses down the rail to monitor two essential railway conditions: rail break detection and train detection. Rail breaks are the leading cause of train derailments worldwide, and TrackView is designed to mitigate this risk by monitoring tracks for potential failures.
Each TrackView device covers a 2 km section of track. Unlike conventional systems that monitor large areas, TrackView’s smaller coverage area ensures that, in the event of theft or vandalism, only a minimal section of the track loses monitoring capability. The device’s installation is straightforward, taking just 45 minutes, and it can be replaced within 15 minutes if vandalism occurs, allowing for quick restoration of service.
TrackView’s design is particularly impressive for its power management capabilities. It uses minimal voltage and current, allowing it to avoid interference with existing railway signalling systems. The device is powered by supercapacitors, which can last 10 to 14 days without sunlight, ensuring continuous operation even in poor weather conditions. TrackView is built to function for up to 10 yearson the side of the track, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Tamper Detection and Real-Time Monitoring
One of the standout features of TrackView is its tamper detection system. If the device is tampered with, it sends a notification to the cloud, alerting the rail operator, technicians, or security personnel. This system allows for rapid response to potential vandalism, helping to safeguard railway infrastructure.
As an IoT device, TrackView generates a significant amount of data, including information about temperature, battery health, and track conditions. This data is processed and sent to the cloud, where it is accessible via dashboards. Operators can either use TrackView’s full-service monitoring option or integrate the raw data into their existing control systems.
Built for Africa, Ready for Expansion
Designed and patented in South Africa, TrackView is specifically engineered to withstand the unique conditions found on the African continent. While the TrackView team is currently focused on local operators, the team have plans to expand into other African countries.
With rail experiencing a renaissance across the continent, TrackView’s creators are optimistic about its future as a vital tool for enhancing railway safety and efficiency across Africa.
