Novel electromagnetic brakes for high-speed railway lines
Eddy-current brakes (ECBs) are an effective means of regulating train speed on high-speed rails. However, their use raises major concerns regarding compatibility with electronic equipment such as signalling systems, train detectors and communication systems. To address this issue, the EU funded ECUC (Eddy current brake compatibility) project set out to prove that the ECB is a highly effective and applicable solution for increasing braking capacity of new high-speed trains. Furthermore, it aimed to address existing concerns by proposing concrete and realistic solutions to overcome any possible drawbacks that ECBs have experienced on some lines. Work began by mapping the current state of play and identifying the performance requirements and design parameters of ECBs. A new-generation linear ECB was designed and a study of incompatibilities was performed in the electromagnetic and thermo-mechanical domains. Project partners designed and verified an ECB compatibility model that measures electromagnetic interference levels. This model led to the identification of representative worst case scenarios to prove the compatibility between ECBs, rolling stock, signalling systems and tracks. In Germany, over 80 test runs were conducted on a high-speed train that was equipped with various ECBs. Results showed no interference from ECBs. The ECUC team delivered a series of new design, engineering and operational guidelines for ECBs, tracks and signalling equipment. It also made several technical recommendations regarding new requirements for ECBs, as well as compatibility requirements for ECBs, signalling systems, tracks and rolling stock. ECUC successfully demonstrated that its new generation of linear ECBs are a very effective alternative for boosting the braking capacity of new high-speed trains. It also addressed concerns raised by key infrastructure actors by proposing concrete and realistic solutions to overcome drawbacks experienced by ECBs on certain lines.
Keywords
Rolling stock, track, eddy-current brakes, ECUC, high-speed trains
