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Network Rail, ‘TPCMS’ Electrical Control System
The successful rollout of the new and improved Version 5 of the Traction Power Centralised Management System (TPCMS) in Raynes Park, London, marks a major milestone in the evolution of intelligent control systems for the UK railway network. This next-generation platform enhances operational safety, efficiency, and provides a robust foundation for future innovation in railway power management.
Client Brief
National Rail Power Control Transformation
Network Rail’s vision is to consolidate all existing SCADA systems into a single national platform — the TPCMS. Once fully deployed, it will control power delivery across England and Scotland, overseeing thousands of kilometres of track from 13 distributed control rooms, ensuring unified, reliable, and efficient network management.
Project Overview
Delivering the Next Generation of Railway Control Systems
Morson Praxis’ Control, Systems & Integration division, was appointed by Telent in 2021 to design, implement, and deliver a new TPCMS from the ground up. Drawing on extensive experience in large-scale control system projects for clients such as Drax Power Station, Transport for London, and Argent Energy, the Morson Praxis team engineered a system that fully meets Network Rail’s specification and operational needs.
Image Gallery
Next-Generation Power Control in Action
Our Solution
Engineering Innovation for a Smarter, Safer Network
TPCMS Version 5 introduces an intelligent electrical network model capable of tracking the flow of electricity in real-time across the railway system. Within milliseconds, the software calculates the energisation state of the network and alerts operators to anomalies, significantly improving safety.
Additionally, the system’s new Switching Schedule functionality automates isolation activities, dramatically reducing the time required to de-energise and re-energise lines for maintenance or upgrades, saving both time and operational cost.
Results
Advancing Safety, Efficiency, and Future Readiness
The launch of TPCMS Version 5 represents a transformative step forward for Network Rail’s power control capabilities. The system enhances safety, streamlines maintenance processes, and provides a modern, future-ready digital platform to support the continued evolution of the UK’s rail infrastructure.
Testimonials
Hear from the experts
Steven Pope, Network Rail Programme Engineering Manager commented:
“The TPCMS control system platform is fundamental to our pursuit of improving safety and efficiency for our passengers.
“Ematics thoroughly reviewed the contracted scope and collaborated closely with internal clients and stakeholders at Network Rail. This systematic approach resulted in a clear design that provides Network Rail with a system that, as innovations are identified in the future, will allow continued development of the system architecture.”
Chris McClenn, Network Rail AC Subject Matter Expert said:
“The feedback so far from the operators during training on the new system has been overwhelmingly positive, TPCMS version 5 delivers a modern user interface which vastly improves our ability to control and monitor the railway.”
Jake Pike, SCADA Lead said:
“TPCMS has been a challenging but rewarding project that is driving the evolution of how we view control systems via the inclusion of forward-thinking functionality for automating day-to-day operations, taking the pressure off operators.”
