Author(s)

A. Daadbin, J. Rosinski & D. Smurthwaite

Abstract

Complex modern transport systems need to be reliable and operated at high efficiency with the cost of breakdowns kept at a minimum. The well known strategy for maintaining the operation of any integrated system is to choose the appropriate parameters to be monitored continuously. Then, any fault or deviation from the normal operation condition would be detected and the necessary action could be taken to avoid any disruption to the operation and avoid any accident with devastating consequences. This paper looks at monitoring of parameters for essential components in rail transport such as axle vibration and pantograph load, and gives the detail of the systems used in monitoring their operation. The continuously measured data such as torque on the main gearbox shaft or load/acceleration on the pantograph enables diagnosis of potential issues within such systems on routinely operating trains. Variations from the expected values can be detected early and corrected to avoid compromising passenger safety from a more severe failure in the future. The paper discusses the system designed for monitoring the transmitted torque and bending moments in the rail vehicle axle as a mean for identification of any abnormal loading. Pantograph failures due to complex interactions between the overhead line (OHL) and pantograph structure cause significant problems to railway industry worldwide. This paper also describes the design, development and test results from the first fully proven Pantograph Monitoring System which is now deployed on routinely operating trains in the UK.

Keywords

flat wheel, bogie gearbox, axle vibration, pantograph failure, monitoring system, condition monitoring, Bluetooth communication