Evgeny Nazarov
According to the developers, in addition to GPS navigation and electronic map, the device is equipped with two video cameras and lidars, as well as a portable unit for monitoring the integrity of the composition.
The portable unit, in turn, also has a lidar and a camera, which provides the driver with inspection and distance measurement from the final car during shunting operations.
The navigator is also capable of receiving video from the crossing traffic lights developed by the same startup, so the driver can assess the situation at the crossing long before the line-of-sight distance.
“The crossing traffic lights also have lidar and are able to independently recognize obstacles at the crossing and send both the train dispatcher and the locomotive navigator an emergency warning about the obstacle. The navigators not only exchange information with the train dispatcher, but also ensure communication with each other over the reserve,” explains NARWE founder and director Evgeny Nazarov.
The mentioned Swedish ERTMS Regional system is a simplified and inexpensive version of the European Rail Traffic Management System for use on trains in low traffic conditions on the lines. It is designed to reduce the amount of equipment needed on rolling stock and equipment on the tracks.
True, NARWE’s invention is still ahead of its time, at least in Moldova. The developers have encountered difficulties in the process of implementing their innovations, as they use modern 4G/5G, WiFi and LoRa communication channels, which are not provided for by the regulatory framework of the Republic of Moldova. But the developers are convinced that these communication channels and new technologies should replace outdated and energy inefficient rail circuits.
Moreover, the startup aims to meet the standards of the FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System), a European system that is replacing the ETCS. It envisages, among other things, the use of publicly available 4G/5G communication channels and the transmission of video images from railway crossings to the driver’s console. This is what the Moldovan startup has already implemented.
NARWE (Nazaroff Railways Engineering) specializes in research and development in the field of modern electrical engineering for domestic and foreign markets. It designs and prototypes non-standard equipment with a high degree of innovation and automation based on microprocessor logic and robotics.
In 2023, the engineering company started designing its own product line in the field of railroads. In addition to the aforementioned navigator, it includes a railroad crossing traffic light, an autonomous inspection drone and an integrated rail motor-wheel.
The traffic light is fully autonomous and does not require connection to power and communication lines, as it is equipped with solar panels and a battery pack
The autonomous inspection drone also runs on photovoltaic panels, moves along the rails and transmits data on their condition in real time, creates an accurate map with an error of +/- 2 cm and performs many other functions.
The integrated rail motor-wheel is highly efficient, has no gears or transmissions, requires no lubrication, and recovers energy (generator mode). Four such wheels are installed on the autonomous drone.
“We are gradually establishing cooperation with the Moldovan Railroad,” said Evgeny Nazarov. – The drone has been given the green light, and in June-July its tests should begin.”
The situation with other inventions is more complicated. The director of the startup claims that he found support for their testing and implementation from the director of the Railway Department, Sergei Kotelnik, but on the whole the road management is divided. Which, in general, is understandable. The financial situation of railroaders is critical, and not everyone is ready to be distracted by innovations. Many of them think more about how to ensure the survival of the state-owned enterprise using the old methods.
On the other hand, Evgeny Nazarov needs to test all the inventions in order to enter the international market with them. And it is best to do it in his native Moldova, not in Romania, Ukraine or any other country.
