• Journal of the Korean Society for Railway
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.122-128
• /
• 2012

Considering structure of depot, it is impossible to install the track circuit systems due to iron-beam. Because rails and earth are connected by the iron-beam, there is much leakage current. So, it is hard to apply the track circuit systems. Thus, when trains go to the depot, sign which indicates existence of trains is used manually. In case of wrong sign, accidents occur such as train crash, derailment etc. Currently, location of trains has been found by using optical sensor in the depot to prevent the accidents. However, it costs a great deal to install and maintain the optical sensor. Therefore, this method is hardly used in train operation institutes. In this paper, virtual track circuit systems are introduced by using software program in the depot. Also, algorithm of the virtual track circuit systems is proposed. In case that signal is handled to the depot which is occupied by the train, safety is ensured by indicating sign which means existence of trains and stop signal. Also, proper fault tolerance techniques are proposed to the software by analyzing reliability and availability.