ROLLING STOCK
Legendary reliability
NSK High-Performance Bearings have been selected for the Next Generation E5 Series Shinkansen Bullet Train, explains Mary Fletcher of NSK Uk Ltd.
T
he Shinkansen bullet train is one of the most iconic images of Japan and
continued investment in the trains’ technology and engineering is keeping them high-up in the public consciousness both nationally and internationally.
The latest Hayabusa (Falcon) E5 Series, operated by JR East, has a major focus on comfort, effi ciency and safety.
The new train operates on the existing Tohoku Shinkansen Line from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori in Aomori prefecture in the north east of the Japanese main island of Honshu.
There will be 59 trains when construction is complete, with a total of 590 cars. NSK has revealed that its high-performance railway axle bearings have been selected for the new trains, which routinely operate at 300 km/h (186 mph). NSK bearings were also selected for the traction motors and the gear units.
Railway bearings are obviously safety-critical components; they have a direct infl uence on the operation of railways and must comply with the highest safety requirements. While maintaining their legendary reliability, the
challenge for NSK was to further reduce size and weight in order to save energy and to contribute to the environmental aspect of the railways.
Working in harmony with the active suspension system the bearings selected had to be highly effi cient and durable while passing strict quality control conditions. Oil bath double row cylindrical rollers were used for the axle bearings.
The oil lubrication system offered both low rolling resistance and low heat generation, enabling effi cient high-speed operation. It also ensures a long service life, an important factor for trains travelling long distances.
The electric traction motors are also critical to the train’s speed and effi ciency, but provide their own set of technical challenges. Ceramic coated insulated bearings with proven safety and durability were chosen for the traction motors. This product helps to enhance reliability and prevents the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion, a factor which can reduce bearing service life dramatically in high current applications such as this, where corrosion is caused by sparking within the bearings.
High-strength retainers, with a soft nitriding treatment for outstanding shock resistance were selected for the motor gear reducer units. This product contributes signifi cantly to enhancing the reliability of the traction motor bearings which are subject to high levels of vibration, reducing maintenance and improving longevity. NSK is committed to contributing technology to make trains even more reliable and environmentally friendly.
NSK bearings have supported the progress of the Japanese railway industry from the beginning. Continuous improvements in the areas of safety, high speed, high reliability and energy conservation have placed Japanese railways including the Shinkansen bullet train in a world-leading position. NSK’s railway bearings support the further advancement of compactness, light-weight and high speed philosophy and can be easily maintained. Today, NSK railway bearings are the Japanese market leader.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
T: Freephone 0500 2327464 E:
info-uk@nsk.com W:
www.nskeurope.com
rail technology magazine Jun/Jul 12 | 61
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