Model-Based Systems Engineering for the Design of an Intermodal High-Speed Freight Train Terminal

Since rail traffic is the mode of mass transport with minimal transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, it plays a key role in achieving the sustainability targets of the transportation sector. To enable a modal shift from road to rail the German Aerospace Center has developed the Next Generation Train CARGO, a high-speed freight train concept targeted to ship so-called Low-Density High Value goods on existing railway infrastructure. Studies have revealed that an intermodal transshipment terminal is key to a successful integration of the concept in current logistics networks. Driven by high requirements regarding handling, reliability, and time, the terminal is a complex intralogistics system strongly depending on the particular good that shall be handled. This work uses the principles and methods of Model-Based Systems Engineering in a tailored modeling approach to specify a generic terminal system architecture. Based on this generic architecture an exemplary good-specific variant of the terminal is derived with focus on intralogistics freight handling. The chosen design approach is further evaluated regarding its suitability in context of intralogistics system design. The results of this work demonstrate that Model-Based Systems Engineering is capable of successfully guiding architecture specification in the novel application domain of complex intralogistics facilities and further contributes to a consistent and comprehensive terminal design.