Rail Technology
twenty IGBTs in the upgrade, all of which can be monitored by the system. Power Insight technology monitors the gate drive temperature, the collector to emitter voltage in both the on and the off state, the gate emitter voltage in both the on and the off state and the power supply voltage on the gate drive. Additionally, data can be logged about the gate driver, including the number of switching cycles, the type and number of short circuit events and the number of clamp events. The existing traction converter control signals are interpreted by the Lusogate interface and re-timed to drive the IGBTs via the Amantys Power Drive. Each Lusogate interface receives data from the Power Drives and transmits the information over a local Ethernet network implemented over plastic optical fibre. There are strict requirements for running an upgraded train on the existing network, as new technology cannot be allowed to introduce noise and perturbations onto the overhead power lines, which could affect the network or other trains on the network. The locomotive is now undergoing a series of static and dynamic testing to measure the harmonics introduced onto the overhead lines, and assess any perturbations along with electromagnetic emissions from the locomotive that could prove detrimental to the network.
The first implementation upgrades the
front traction unit, with the second due to be upgraded on completion of the field trial, during which the Amantys Power Drives will stream data from the traction converter to the train management system.
costs. With the integration of Amantys Power Insight into Lusogate, EMEF is extending the condition based maintenance regime into the traction converter.
The locomotive can now generate
reports from the train management system that prioritise the maintenance tasks for the maintenance crews and highlight systems on the train that are deteriorating. The system looks for deviations and trends from the normal operation of the train. By collaborating with the unique condition monitoring functionality that Amantys has built into its IGBT gate drivers, EMEF has implemented an innovative GTO to IGBT upgrade system that delivers real benefits for train operators. The delivered upgrade improves the efficiency, maintainability, reduces the use of chemicals in the system and implements a condition based maintenance system into the heart of the traction converter.
Real-time data monitoring provides the diagnostics and communications necessary to detect performance excursions, plan preventative maintenance practice and increase the track availability of a locomotive
The condition monitoring data from the IGBT modules will be analysed to look for long term variations in the parameters that are being monitored, IGBT to IGBT variances and phase leg to phase leg variances. The replacement modules are now air cooled, so there is anticipated variation in the temperature of the modules as the train is in operation due to the climatic conditions and the operational load of the train during service. For example, large or
sudden variations to the temperature could either indicate early signs of failure in the IGBT or debris accumulating under the train.
Improved availability and a longer lifespan
Implementing a condition based maintenance (CBM) regime on the fleet of locomotives has resulted in a 15% improvement in the track availability of the locomotives while reducing maintenance
Locomotives with improved availability and an extended lifetime are of clear benefit to train operators and maintenance companies at a time when the economic situation in many countries means that budgets for new locomotives are being cut. Getting real-time insight into the traction converter can make a key difference, extending the lifespan of locomotives and improving on track availability.
Amantys |
www.amantys.com
Bryn Parry is VP Corporate Development at Amantys
www.cieonline.co.uk
Components in Electronics
May 2013 29
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