BRITISH STANDARD

Railway applications
— Axlebox condition
monitoring —
Interface and design
requirements
Part 1: Track side equipment and
rolling stock axlebox

ICS 45.060.01

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

BS EN
15437-1:2009


BS EN 15437-1:2009

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 15437-1:2009.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee RAE/3/-/5, Hot axle bearing detection.

"Normative" - A (mandatory) requirement defined as an "expression
in the content of a document conveying criteria to be fulfilled if
compliance with the document is to be claimed and from which no
deviation is permitted" [CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, Part
3: Rules for the Structure and Drafting of European Standards
(PNE-Rules)].

"Informative" - Information (not mandatory) intended to assist the
understanding or use of the document. Informative annexes shall
not contain requirements, except as optional requirements. (For
example, a test method that is optional may contain requirements
but there is no need to comply with these requirements to claim
compliance with the document.)
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity
from legal obligations.

This British Standard
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Policy and Strategy
Committee on 30 June
2009
© BSI 2009

ISBN 978 0 580 56197 9

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date

Comments


BS EN 15437-1:2009


EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 15437-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

March 2009

ICS 45.060.01

English Version

Railway applications - Axlebox condition monitoring - Interface
and design requirements - Part 1: Track side equipment and
rolling stock axlebox
Applications ferroviaires - Surveillance des btes d'essieux
- Exigences liées aux interfaces - Partie 1: Equipments des
voies et conception des btes d'essieux pour matériel
roulant

Bahnanwendungen - Zustandsüberwachung von
Radsatzlagern - Schnittstellen und
Gestaltungsanforderungen - Teil 1:
Heißläuferortungsanlagen und
Radsatzlagergehäusegestaltung

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 February 2009.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European

Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2009 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Ref. No. EN 15437-1:2009: E


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Contents

Page


Foreword ..............................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................4
1

Scope ......................................................................................................................................................5

2

Normative references ............................................................................................................................5

3

Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................6

4

Symbols and abbreviations ..................................................................................................................9

5
5.1
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
5.1.4
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.3
5.4

5.5

Rolling Stock Requirements .............................................................................................................. 10
Target zone .......................................................................................................................................... 10
General ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Dimensions of the target area ........................................................................................................... 10
Position of the centre of the target area in the XY plane ................................................................ 11
Visibility requirements for the target area ....................................................................................... 11
Prohibitive zone .................................................................................................................................. 11
General ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Dimensions of the prohibitive zone .................................................................................................. 11
Position of the centre of the prohibitive zone in the XY plane ...................................................... 12
Electromagnetic interference emissions ......................................................................................... 13
Design drawings ................................................................................................................................. 13
Protective finish .................................................................................................................................. 13

6
6.1
6.2
6.3

HABD requirements for its interface with rolling stock .................................................................. 13
General ................................................................................................................................................. 13
HABD temperature measuring zone ................................................................................................. 13
HABD installation requirements........................................................................................................ 15

7
7.1
7.2
7.3


HABD system requirements .............................................................................................................. 16
HABD functions .................................................................................................................................. 16
HABD temperature alarms ................................................................................................................. 16
HABD general requirements .............................................................................................................. 17

Annex A (informative) An example of an alternative HABD temperature measuring zone ....................... 18
Annex B (informative) Guidance for HABD installation ................................................................................ 20
Annex C (informative) Accuracy of the HABD’s calculated temperature of an axlebox ........................... 21
Annex D (informative) Examples of HABD system temperature alarm levels across Europe .................. 22
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EC Directive 2008/57/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 17 June 2008 on the interoperability of the rail system within the Community ...................... 23
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 25

2


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 15437-1:2009) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 256 “Railway
applications”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2009, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by September 2009.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the

European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EC Directive 96/48 and EC
Directive 2001/16, as modified by EC Directive 2004/50.
For relationship with EC Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

3


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Introduction
Failed axle bearings on rolling stock create a hazard to the safe operation of the railway. If an axle bearing
fails whilst rolling stock is in-service there is the potential for a catastrophic event. A catastrophic event may
result in fatalities, severe damage to rolling stock and/or the infrastructure and a risk that rolling stock may
derail and/or a fire may develop.
One indication that a bearing is about to fail is a rise in the heat generated by the bearing. Bearings that are
about to fail may therefore be detected by monitoring their temperature to identify an unacceptable rise.
World-wide experience shows that one way of managing the risk is by installing trackside Hot AxleBox
Detectors (HABDs) to monitor the in-service temperature of rolling stock axleboxes.
The sensors of a trackside HABD measure the thermal radiation emitted from the axleboxes of in-service
rolling stock. The level of thermal radiation is influenced by the emmissivity of the axlebox surface, which is
influenced by the material, design, surface finish and operational conditions (dust, rain, etc). Even though
operational conditions are continually changing the surface emmissivity of the axlebox, long term experience
indicates that such changing conditions can be tolerated.
This part of EN 15437 covers the monitoring of axlebox temperature by trackside HABD. It was developed by

Working Group 35 "Hot Box Detection" of CEN Technical Committee 256 Railway Applications. It defines the
minimum requirements for the interface between a trackside HABD and rolling stock, to ensure that the
system works. It is important to note that Clause 1, Scope, sets out the minimum requirements for the
interface.
The requirements set out in this document are based on long term existing rules, practices and procedures
developed and currently in use by European member railway undertaking’s (RUs) and infrastructure
managers (IMs).
The following principles have been applied:
a) The railway system requires technical rules in order to ensure an acceptable interface between rolling
stock and trackside HABD.
b) In view of the increasing significance of international traffic, the standardisation of this interface is required.
c) It is of particular importance that the existing level of safety and reliability is not compromised.
d) The Cartesian co-ordinate system is used to define dimensions and positions, that is X is longitudinal, Y is
lateral and Z is vertical.
Some rolling stock, according to their performance or design, is fitted with on-board equipment to monitor axle
bearings for potential overheating. However, in most cases, axle bearings continue to be monitored by
trackside Hot Axle Bearing Detectors which is the subject of this standard.
Part 2 of EN 15437, which is currently being developed, covers on-board temperature monitoring of axle
bearings.
Alternative technology is available, or being developed, to monitor the condition of axle bearings, using
vibration sensors, thermocouples, etc. and may in the future be addressed by additional parts to this standard.

4


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

1


Scope

This part of EN15437 defines the minimum characteristics for the interface between a trackside Hot Axlebox
Detector (HABD) and Rolling Stock (RST) that comply with the European Directives for Interoperability to
ensure that the minimum functional requirement of the interface is achieved.
The minimum requirements of the interface apply to:
a) Rolling stock conforming to standard European railway gauge, that is 1435mm;
b) Rolling stock axles fitted with outboard bearings;
NOTE
of 5.2.

The design of rolling stock axles fitted with inboard bearings should respect the requirements set out in Note 2

c) Rolling stock with a maximum operational speed of up to and including 250 km/h;
NOTE 1

That is conventional rail and class 2 high speed rail rolling stock as defined in the rolling stock TSIs.

NOTE 2
Interoperable rolling stock designed for speeds above 250km/h (class 1 high speed rolling stock) are
mandated to have on-board equipment for axlebox condition monitoring. The requirements for on-board equipment are
described in part 2 of this standard which is currently under development.
NOTE 3
Interoperable rolling stock designed for speeds above 250km/h (class 1 high speed rolling stock) are outside
the scope of this Part of the standard. However, if class 1 high speed trains are required to be monitored by HABDs their
target area should comply with the requirements specified in this standard, except where stated otherwise.

d) Trackside HABDs that are required to monitor conventional rail and class 2 high speed rail rolling stock.
The rolling stock requirements of the interface are described in Clause 5 and for the HABD requirements of
the interface are described in Clause 6.

The scope of this part (part 1) of the standard does not include:


Hot Wheel (Hot Disc) Detectors (HWDs). However, HWD are often installed in combination with trackside
HABD to provide a dual monitoring system. This standard does not prevent the use of such a
combination;



how a HABD measures the temperature and identifies axle box position. This is part of an individual
equipment design and not part of the functional requirements of this standard;



operational requirements for acting on the information reported by the HABD system;



maintenance requirements for HABD systems.

2

Normative references

The following referenced documents are required for the application of this document. For dated references,
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
EN 15273-3, Railway applications — Gauges — Part 3: Obstacles gauges
EN 50121-3-1, Railway applications — Electromagnetic compatibility — Part 3-1: Rolling stock — Train and
complete vehicle

EN 50121-4, Railway applications — Electromagnetic compatibility — Part 4: Emission and immunity of the
signalling and telecommunications apparatus

5


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

EN 50125-3, Railway applications — Environmental conditions for equipment — Part 3: Equipment for
signalling and telecommunications
EN 60950-1, Information technology equipment — Safety — Part 1: General requirements (IEC 609501:2005, modified)
ISO 14837-1, Mechanical vibration — Ground-borne noise and vibration arising from rail systems — Part 1:
General guidance

3

Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
axle bearing
bearing or bearing assembly on a rail vehicle axle that transmits a proportion of the weight of the rail vehicle
directly to the wheelset
NOTE
For the purpose of this definition bearings associated with the mounting of traction motors or traction drives
are excluded.

3.1.1
inboard axle bearing

axle bearings that are positioned on the wheelset axle between the wheels of the wheelset
3.1.2
outboard axle bearing
axle bearings that are positioned on the wheelset axle ends outside of the space between the wheels of the
wheelset
3.2
axlebox
structure, including for example cartridge bearing adaptor, which houses, or is in contact with, the axle journal
bearing and provides an interface with the bogie and/or suspension arrangement
3.3
hot axlebox detector (HABD)
trackside system that includes:


sensors that measure the thermal radiation emitted from a defined area on each axlebox of a passing rail
vehicle;



data processing that calculates a temperature for each axlebox from these measured data;



data processing that identifies signs that an axlebox is (or axleboxes are) overheated;



communication link to transmit and receive data

3.4

target zone
defined area on the underside of an axlebox that is designed to have its temperature monitored by a HABD
3.5
target area
plan view dimensions, that is in the XY plane, of the target zone
3.6
axlebox temperature
temperature of the target zone as calculated by a HABD
6


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

3.7
differential temperature
temperature difference between the two axlebox temperatures of a wheelset, or of a pair of wheels at the
same position, as calculated by the HABD
3.8
temperature alarm
indication that a calculated axlebox temperature has exceeded a preset temperature level
3.8.1
hot temperature alarm
indication that a calculated axlebox temperature has exceeded a preset hot temperature level
3.8.2
warm temperature alarm
indication that a calculated axlebox temperature has exceeded a preset warm temperature level
3.8.3
differential temperature alarm
indication that a calculated differential temperature, between the left and right axleboxes of a wheelset, has

exceeded a preset differential temperature level
3.8.4
train-side differential temperature alarm
indication that a calculated differential temperature, between the temperature of the axlebox compared to the
average temperature of all the axleboxes along its side of the train, has exceeded a preset train-side
differential temperature level
3.9
prohibitive zone
zone in which heat sources such as exhausts, which might influence the behaviour of a HABD, are excluded
or thermally shielded
3.10
track coordinates
track coordinates, Figure 1, are based on the right hand rule Cartesian coordinate system, where the positive
X-axis (longitudinal) is along the track in the direction of travel, the Z-axis is vertically upwards and the origin is
at the centre of the track and level with the top of the rail
NOTE

The Y-axis is the lateral axis.

7


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Key
1
Centre of track
Figure 1 ― Track Coordinates
3.11

rolling stock coordinates
rolling stock coordinates, Figure 2, are based on the right hand rule Cartesian coordinate system, where the
positive X-axis (longitudinal) is along the vehicle in the direction of travel, the Z-axis is vertically upwards and
the origin is at the centre of a wheelset’s axle
NOTE

The Y-axis is the lateral axis.

Key
1
Centre of axle (or pair of wheels)
Figure 2 ― Rolling Stock Coordinates
8


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

3.12
wheelset
unit comprising: an axle, two wheels and their axle bearings, or a pair of independent wheels located at the
same longitudinal position and their bearings
3.13
heat source
part of the rolling stock that may have a temperature above the in-service running temperature of the
underside of the axlebox, such as a hot load or an exhaust pipe
3.14
temperature measuring zone
virtual cuboid shape fixed in size and space relative to the track in which an HABD system focuses to
measure thermal radiation


4

Symbols and abbreviations

For the purposes of this document, the following symbols and abbreviated terms apply.
CCS

Control, Command and Signalling (as defined in the TSIs)

HABD

Hot AxleBox Detector

HPZ

vertical height in mm of the prohibitive zone

HTMZ

vertical height in mm of the temperature measuring zone

IM

Infrastructure Manager (as defined in the TSIs)

LPZ

longitudinal length in mm of the prohibitive zone


LTA

longitudinal length in mm of the target area

PZ

Prohibited zone

RST

Rolling STock (as defined in TSI)

RU

Railway Undertaking (as defined in TSI)

TA

Target area

TMZ

Temperature measuring zone

TSI

Technical Specification for Interoperability

WPZ


lateral width in mm of the prohibitive zone

WTA

lateral width in mm of the target area

WTMZ

lateral width in mm of the temperature measuring zone

YPZ

lateral position of the centre of the prohibitive zone

YTA

lateral position of the centre of the target area relative

YTMZ1

lateral position of the inner side of the TMZ

YTMZ2

lateral position of the outer side of the TMZ

YTMZC1

lateral position of the inner side of a portion of the TMZ


YTMZC2

lateral position of the outer side of a portion of the TMZ

ZTMZ1

vertical position of the lower limit of the TMZ

ZTMZ2

vertical position of the upper limit of the TMZ

9


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

5

Rolling Stock Requirements

5.1

Target zone

5.1.1

General


The target zone is an area on the underside surface of an axlebox described by the intersection of the axlebox
with a virtual cuboid. The horizontal cross sectional area of the virtual cuboid is congruent to the plan view
area of the target zone in the XY plane, herein named the target area. The target area dimensions are LTA in
the X-axis and WTA in the Y-axis using rolling stock coordinates.
5.1.2

Dimensions of the target area

The target area is set in space relative to the axle dimensions, and defines an area in which a HABD can
focus to monitor the temperature of an axlebox. Figure 3 shows the position and minimum dimensions of the
target area using rolling stock coordinates.
Taking into account mechanical tolerances:
a)

the target area shall have a lateral width, WTA, greater than or equal to 50 mm;

b)

the target area shall have a longitudinal length, LTA, greater than or equal to 100 mm.

NOTE
If class 1 high speed trains are monitored by HABDs their target area should have a lateral width, WTA, greater
than or equal to 50 mm and a longitudinal length, LTA, greater than or equal to 130 mm.

Key:
1
Centre line of vehicle
2
Centre line of target area
3

Centre line of axle
Figure 3 ― Dimensions and position of the target area (TA) in the XY plane (viewed from below)
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BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

5.1.3

Position of the centre of the target area in the XY plane

a)

YTA in the lateral direction (Y-axis), measured relative to the centre of the axle (or centre of a pair of
wheels at the same position), where YTA shall be 1065 mm to 1095 mm;

b)

In the longitudinal direction (X-axis) it shall be congruent with the centre line of the axle.

5.1.4

Visibility requirements for the target area

Rolling stock shall be designed with no obstruction between the target zone and the HABD that would impede
or prevent the HABD from focusing within the target zone and thereby prevent a measurement of its thermal
radiation.
If compliance with this requirement is not possible, rolling stock shall be fitted with an on-board axle bearing
monitoring system1.

NOTE
The design of the rolling stock axlebox should aim to achieve a homogeneous temperature distribution within
the target zone.

5.2

Prohibitive zone

5.2.1

General

The prohibitive zone is defined by a rectangular area, which includes the target area, and is extended
vertically to form a virtual cuboid. The dimensions of the cuboid are LPZ in the X-axis, WPZ in the Y-axis and
HPZ in the Z-axis. Figure 4 shows a possible position of the target area in the XY plane of the prohibitive zone
using rolling stock coordinates.
To minimize the opportunity for a HABD to calculate a temperature from a heat source that is not an axlebox,
rolling stock shall be designed so that other heat sources, for example hot payload or exhaust, are not
immediately adjacent to or directly above the target area position. To facilitate this no other heat source shall
be located within the prohibitive zone.
NOTE 1
If it is possible/unavoidable, due to the design of the rolling stock, for a heat source other than that of an
axlebox to be contained within the prohibitive zone, that heat source should be thermally shielded to prevent erroneous
temperature calculations by a HABD measuring its thermal radiation.
NOTE 2
bearings.

5.2.2

The prohibitive zone should be maintained for all rolling stock, including for example rolling stock with inboard


Dimensions of the prohibitive zone

The dimensions of the prohibitive zone’s cuboid, taking into account mechanical tolerances, shall be:
a)

lateral width, WPZ, greater than or equal to 100 mm;

b)

longitudinal length, LPZ, greater than or equal to 500 mm;

c)

vertical height, HPZ, shall start at a point immediately above the HABD in the XY plane and shall end at
either the height of the target area, the height of a thermal shield or at a height that is level with the top of
the vehicle in rolling stock coordinates.

1 See prEN15437-2 which is currently under development (April 2008)

11


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

5.2.3

Position of the centre of the prohibitive zone in the XY plane


a)

YPZ in the lateral direction (Y-axis) measured relative to the centre of the axle (or centre of a pair of
wheels at the same location), where YPZ shall be 1080 mm ± 5 mm;

b)

In the longitudinal direction (X-axis) it shall be congruent with the centre line of the axle ± 5 mm.

Key:
1
Centre line of vehicle
2
Centre line of target area
3
Centre line of axle
4
Target area
5
Prohibited zone for other heat sources
Figure 4 ―Dimensions of the prohibitive zone (PZ) in the XY plane (viewed from below) showing a
possible position of a target area
12


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

5.3


Electromagnetic interference emissions

Rolling stock shall be designed to minimize electromagnetic interference emissions (EMC) in accordance with
EN 50121-3-1.
NOTE
The EMC of the rolling stock should not affect the functional behaviour of the HABD system, for example by
incorrectly triggering the HABD to indicate the presence of a wheelset when a wheelset is not present.

5.4

Design drawings

The target zone shall be identified on the rolling stock axlebox design drawings.

5.5

Protective finish

This standard does not specify gloss factor or colour for the protective finish of an axlebox.
NOTE 1
This standard intentionally does not specify the emmissivity requirements for the external finish of the axlebox
surface or its target area. This is because the condition of the external finish of the axlebox surface is variable and
uncontrollable, depending on the operational and environmental profiles.
NOTE 2

This standard does not prevent the use of special paint or surface finish with high emmissivity properties.

NOTE 3
This standard intentionally does not require performance testing of axleboxes in accordance with EN 12082 in
order to establish any reference temperature or performance characteristics for a target area.


6
6.1

HABD requirements for its interface with rolling stock
General

This chapter contains the requirements for the HABD side of the interface.
The HABD needs to take at least one discrete measurement of the thermal radiation from within the rolling
stock’s minimum target area for each axlebox, as defined in Clause 5. To achieve this HABD need to take
thermal measurements from within the temperature measuring zone (TMZ), as defined in this clause.

6.2

HABD temperature measuring zone

The temperature measuring zone is an area fixed in space (relative to the track), in which a HABD shall focus
to monitor the temperature of the axleboxes of passing rolling stock. Figure 5 shows the minimum dimensions
and the position of the temperature measuring zone relative to the track coordinates in the YZ plane.

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BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Key:
1
Centre line of track
2

Top of rail
Figure 5 ―Dimensions and position for the temperature measuring zone (TMZ)
14


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

The dimensions of the temperature measuring zone taking into account mechanical tolerances shall be:
a)

Lateral width, WTMZ, greater than or equal to 80 mm, from YTMZ1 = 1040 mm to YTMZ2 = 1120 mm;

b)

Vertical height, HTMZ, shall be 240 mm, between ZTMZ1 = 260 mm and ZTMZ2 = 500 mm.

The HABD shall scan within the temperature measuring zone; taking at least one discrete measurement from
within the temperature measuring zone.
NOTE 1
In requiring that at least one discrete measurement within the temperature measuring zone is taken, this
standard is not mandating a multi-look HABD. It does however provide the opportunity for a single sensor HABD system to
monitor axlebox temperatures (see 6.2 Note 2). Until interoperability is complete across the Trans European Network
(TEN) multi-look systems may enable trackside HABD to monitor the axlebox temperatures of all rolling stock including
those which do not comply with this standard.
NOTE 2
Under static conditions there is a central portion of the temperature measuring zone, that is from
YTMZC1 = 1070 mm to YTMZC2 = 1090 mm (see shaded zone in Figure 5), which overlaps with the range of possible positions
of the rolling stock’s target area (defined in Clause 5).
NOTE 3

The height of the temperature measuring zone is defined to accommodate the variation in height of the rolling
stock target zone which is dependent on axlebox design and wheel diameter.
NOTE 4
Interoperable rolling stock has a target area width of at least 50 mm which should lie within the temperature
measuring zone.
NOTE 5
Where an HABD focuses within an alternative temperature measuring zone to that defined in this standard,
the IM should demonstrate that an equivalent level of safety is achieved for interoperable rolling stock. An example of an
alternative HABD temperature measuring zone is provided in informative Annex A.

The HABD shall measure thermal radiation emitted from the target zone of rolling stock, which have a
minimum target area length of 100 mm, at speeds from 3 km/h up to 250 km/h.
NOTE 6
If a HABD is installed on track with a line speed above 250 km/h, it should be designed to measure thermal
radiation emitted from class 1 rolling stock which have a minimum target area length of 130 mm. This is an addition to the
requirements set out in this chapter for HABD installed on track with a line speed up to 250 km/h.
NOTE 7
To fulfil the above requirements it is recommended that a HABD scans nominally in a vertical direction (that is
to within 5 degrees referenced from the Z-axis with an origin at rail level).

6.3

HABD installation requirements

The interface of the rolling stock and the HABD is not static. Therefore, the dynamics of the rolling stock, such
as the lateral movement of the wheelset relative to the track position, need to be taken into account.
Furthermore, allowance for the possible displacement of the HABD relative to the track position over time has
also to be considered.
Therefore, HABD shall be installed on straight track or on track with curve radii greater than 10,000 m, and at
least 500 m ahead of track transitions, such as points and crossings.

NOTE 1
This standard assumes that the effective relative lateral movement between the wheelsets of the rolling stock
and the track is less than ± 10 mm. If this parameter cannot be ensured then an alternative method of managing the risk,
such as the installation of multi beam HABD will be considered.
NOTE 2
Strategic installation requirements are intentionally not given in this standard. Each IM needs to define how
often and where HABD should be installed as part of their developed safety strategy. For example, the geographical
position relative to track features such as bridges, tunnels, points and crossings etc, to avoid stopping rolling stock on, in
or across such features, which might introduce or increase the risk from the overheating axle bearing and/ or unduly
impede operations. Informative Annex B provides further information for consideration when installing trackside HABD.

15


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

7
7.1

HABD system requirements
HABD functions

The purpose of an HABD system is to monitor the temperature of the axleboxes of passing rolling stock and
identify axleboxes (and their position) which have an unacceptable temperature, and communicate that
information. To achieve this, the following functions are considered essential requirements of the HABD
system:
a) acknowledge rolling stock presence and prepare to measure the thermal radiation of its axleboxes;
b) measure the thermal radiation and convert to corresponding temperatures and identify temperatures with
respective axleboxes;

c) compare each axlebox temperature with the preset hot temperature alarm level;
d) identify axleboxes that exceed the preset hot temperature alarm level;
e) calculate differential temperature for each wheelset and compare with the preset differential temperature
alarm level;
f)

identify axleboxes that exceed the preset differential temperature alarm level;

g) prepare a health report for the rolling stock identifying as a minimum the position and temperature of all
axleboxes and wheelsets that have exceeded the preset levels, including the HABD site location
identification tag, date and time of the report;
h) communicate a rolling stock health report;
i)

acknowledge rolling stock departure and switch to standby mode;

j)

conduct HABD self assessment diagnostics;

k) prepare HABD health report;
l)

communicate HABD health report.

NOTE 1

A suggested accuracy for the axlebox calculated temperature is defined in Annex C.

NOTE 2

This part of EN15437 intentionally does not specify protocol syntax, protocol semantics or electrical
characteristics of the HABD communication interface.
NOTE 3
This part of EN15437 intentionally does not specify the time frame in which the rolling stock health report
should be communicated. However, the position of the HABD site relative to train control signals need to be considered as
this may influence the management of the rolling stock movements when the health report includes detail of temperature
alarm levels have been exceeded.

7.2

HABD temperature alarms

The HABD shall have at least the following preset temperature alarms:
a)

hot temperature alarm (see 3.8.1);

b)

warm temperature alarm (see 3.8.2);

c)

differential temperature alarm (see 3.8.3).

NOTE 1
This part of EN 15437 intentionally does not specify values for the temperature alarm levels. This is because
temperature alarm levels are relevant to the rolling stock that will be monitored by individual HABD installations and set at
the discretion of the IM and RU. Across Europe different temperature alarm levels have been set to reflect the experience


16


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

and knowledge of the specific range of rolling stock, the climatic conditions, the topography and the specific algorithm
architecture of the HABD systems, such as the calculation and relevance of ambient temperature. Informative Annex D
gives some information on the range of temperatures alarm levels that are set at HABD system installations across
Europe.
NOTE 2
This part of EN 15437 intentionally does not specify the rules for how ambient temperature should be
considered when calculating the target area temperatures.
NOTE 3
These temperature alarm types are a minimum requirement and are common across current European HABD
installations. This standard does not exclude the use of other temperature alarms, such as a train-side differential
temperature alarm (see 3.8.4).
NOTE 4
This part of EN 15437 intentionally does not specify the use of multiple temperature alarm levels for different
rolling stock types (or for individual rolling stock vehicles). However, this standard does not prevent the use of multiple
temperature alarm levels for different rolling stock.

7.3

HABD general requirements

The HABD system shall take into account the appropriate requirements referenced within the following
standards for:
a)


the gauge requirements set out in EN 15273-3, the HABD trackside components/equipment shall lie
outside of the applicable gauge;

b)

the EMC for trackside components set out in EN 50121-4;

c)

the Environmental conditions for signalling and telecommunications set out in EN 50125-3;

d)

the general safety requirement for the information technology equipment set out in EN 60950-1;

e)

the general guidance on mechanical vibration for ground-borne noise and vibration arising from rail
systems set out in ISO 14837-1.

17


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Annex A
(informative)
An example of an alternative HABD temperature measuring zone


A number of European member states have installed HABD systems that focus on a rolling stock target area
that is significantly different to the one defined in this standard but which they consider mitigates the
addressed risk to a similar level and to their satisfaction. An alternative target area, which is adopted by a
number of the European member states (about 40% of European HABD installations), is located at the back of
the axle bearing where it abuts the journal. For these HABD systems the dimensions for an alternative
temperature measuring zone are as given below:

Key:
1
Centre line of track
2
Top of rail
Figure A.1 ―Dimensions and position for an alternative temperature measuring zone (TMZ)
18


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

The dimensions of an alternative temperature measuring zone taking into account mechanical tolerances may
be:
a)

Lateral width, WTMZ, greater than or equal to 50 mm, from YTMZ1 = 840 mm to YTMZ2 = 890 mm;

b)

Vertical height, HTMZ, = 240 mm, between ZTMZ1 = 260 mm and ZTMZ2 = 500 mm.

NOTE

With reference to 6.2 Note 5, the IM should demonstrate that for interoperable rolling stock an equivalent level
of safety is achieved using an alternative temperature measuring zone, such as the one defined in this informative annex.

Apart from its size and position, the alternative TMZ should in all other respects meet the appropriate
requirements set out in this standard, EN15437.

19


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Annex B
(informative)
Guidance for HABD installation

When installing track side HABD, operational requirements need to be taken into account for the management
of rolling stock movements, such as the stopping of a train if the system reports a suspect axlebox bearing.
Therefore, HABD should be installed on routes or sections of line having regard to:
a) topographical and infrastructure requirements of the route and the HABD site;
b) the proximity of existing HABD or other vehicle condition monitoring systems;
c) topographical and infrastructure requirements at the positions at which trains will be stopped following a
HABD alarm activation, taking into account train speeds and signal positions;
d) the proximity of facilities to examine and manage the recovery of vehicles with axle bearings identified as
defective;
e) the proximity of suitable vehicle stabling facilities;
f)

maximum line speed, duty and range of traffic on the line, such as high speed trains, dangerous goods
freight trains, etc;


g) distance between HABD system installations on conventional / high speed lines;
h) proximity of tunnels and bridges, populated areas;
i)

density of traffic of dangerous goods/transport of dangerous goods;

j)

direction of traffic at site, such as uni-directional or bi-directional track;

k) proximity to stations;
l)

track maintenance requirements for the HABD site location;

m) environmental/climatic conditions for example is site located in shadow or full sunlight;
n) maintenance requirements for HABD systems should be defined by the equipment provider;
o) reliability and availability requirements for HABD systems should be defined between the customer and
the equipment provider.
This list is not exhaustive.

20


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Annex C
(informative)

Accuracy of the HABD’s calculated temperature of an axlebox

The calculated temperature of an axlebox, made from the measured thermal radiation, needs to have
accuracy appropriate to the temperatures of interest. An example of the minimum accuracy requirements are
shown in the table below for a range of axlebox temperatures.
Table C.1 ― An example of the accuracy requirements for the calculated temperature of an axlebox

Temperature range of the
axlebox

Accuracy of calculated
temperature of the
axlebox

-50 °C to 0 °C;

≥ ±10 °C

0 °C to 15 °C

± 10 °C

16 °C to 20 °C

± 5 °C

21 °C to 90 °C

± 3 °C


91 °C to 120 °C

± 5 °C

NOTE 1
The accuracy of the calculated temperature of an axlebox may be influenced by the ambient temperature. The
accuracy may therefore need to be different to that given in Table C.1 depending on the range of ambient temperature
conditions experienced, for example the range in the north of Europe compared with that in the south of Europe. The
range of ambient temperatures that particular HABD installations will experience should be specified when procuring a
HABD system.
NOTE 2 See EN 50125-3 for further guidance.

21


BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Annex D
(informative)
Examples of HABD system temperature alarm levels across Europe

The temperature alarm levels set across Europe vary and for information examples are given below:
Table D.1 ― Examples of temperature alarm levels (values given in degrees Celsius)
Temperature alarm type
Hot

Differential

Warm


Other

Hot temperature alarm

Differential temperature
alarm

Warm temperature alarm

Other alarm, such as
train side differential
temperature alarm

(*)

95

56

-

85

50

85(**)

50


100

30

90

-

105

35

90

-

These temperature alarm types are requirements of this standard, EN 15437-1
(*) Some IMs do not define a separate temperature alarm level for this alarm type (which may act as
an early warning to the hot temperature alarm). This omission is equivalent (**) to setting the warm
alarm level (or making it default) to the same value as the hot alarm level.

22

Other temperature alarm types
are not requirements of this
standard, EN 15437-1, but are
used in some European
countries



BS EN 15437-1:2009
EN 15437-1:2009 (E)

Annex ZA
(informative)
Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EC Directive 2008/57/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 17 June 2008 on the interoperability of the rail
system within the Community

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN/CENELEC/ETSI by the European
Commission and the European Free Trade Association to provide a means of conforming to Essential
Requirements of the New Approach Directive 2008/57/EC.
Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Communities under that Directive and has
been implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with the clauses of this
standard given in Table ZA.1 for High speed Rolling Stock and Table ZA.2 for Locomotives and Passenger
Rolling Stocks, confers, within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity with the
corresponding Essential Requirements of that Directive and associated EFTA regulations.
Table ZA.1 - Correspondence between this European Standard, the CR TSI Rolling Stock WAG and
Directive 2008/57/EC.
Chapter/§/
Chapter/§/points and annexes
annexes of
of the HS RST TSI dated June
this European 2006 and adopted by EC on 21
Standard
February 2008

Corresponding text,
articles/§/annexes of the Directive

2008/57/EC

The whole
standard is
applicable.

4.2.3.3.2 Axle bearing health
monitoring

Annex III, Essential Requirements,

4.3.2.5 Rolling stock
parameters, which influence
ground based train monitoring
systems



Clauses 1.1.1, 1.1.3 Safety



Clause 1.5 Technical
compatibility

4.3.4.4 Rolling stock
parameters, which influence
ground based train monitoring
systems


General Requirements

Comments

TSI Sub clause
4.2.3.3.2.3.6
"Emissivity" is not
covered by this
EN

Requirements Specific to Control and
Command and Signalling Subsystem


Clause 2.3.2 Compatibility of
new infrastructure and rolling
stock

Requirements Specific to Rolling
Stock Subsystem


Clause 2.4.2 Reliability and
availability



Clause 2.4.3 §3 Technical
compatibility


.

23