Retractable Rigid Overhead Catenary System (RROCS)

ART in partnership with ALSTOM Lecco will supply a RROCS on five of the elevated service bays at the Maidstone TMF. 

 RROCS provides an alternative mode of tram electrification. The flexible catenary transitions to a rigid catenary which is attached to motorised arms fixed to structural supports. In the operating position the rigid catenary is powered to provide electrification so that the tram can enter the bay. In the retracted position the rigid catenary is earthed and repositioned to allow for safe access to the tram roof for maintenance.

The RROCS works inside a Depot Personnel Protection System which provides interlocking for safe operation of various facility equipment.

Automatic Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS)

 ART in partnership with Camlin Rail and IEM Corporation will supply an AVIS on the Arrival Road of the Maidstone TMF.

Camlin Rail are the supplier of the PanVue Overhead Pantograph Monitoring System which uses a pair of Illuminator modules to light up the pantograph and an Acquisition module to capture the images and recreate a 3D model of the pantograph. Camlin’s sophisticated software analyses the images to measure carbon thickness and identify defects on the pantograph. 

IEM are the supplier of three products used to monitor the condition of the tram wheels and brake pad thickness. These systems use a series of lasers and cameras to acquire images which are analysed by the proprietary software. Alerts are issued when specially set tolerances are reached and if wheel defects are detected.

The AVIS data will be used by tram maintenance staff to assist in planned maintenance and to detect potential defects that could affect tram performance and/ or safety.