Abstract
Turnouts are key parts of rail roads and are exposed to adverse weather conditions such as snowfall, snow drifts, low temperatures, or sleet. Effective protection assures good turnout function and contributes to rail traffic efficiency and safety. Presently, resistance heating (RH) is the most common system of turnout heating in Europe. In this study, we attempted to implement energy-saving induction heating (IH) in order to cut costs of operation and electricity. A turnout heating test stand, including a stock-rail and a switch-rail, was executed in a climatic chamber. Air temperature was constant at the time of heating. Active power received by both the systems was identical for any measurement (450 W). Test results enabled an assessment of switch-rail position and variations of climatic chamber air temperature on growth of turnout temperatures. Effects of heating type on correct lubrication of the slide plate surface were compared. Dynamics of heating variations and their impact on effectiveness of snow or ice removal were defined for both heating systems. Turnout’s readiness for switch-rail shifting and lubrication conditions of turnout’s moving parts were compared. An in-depth comparative analysis of efficiency of RH and IH turnout heating was undertaken in the conclusion.
Highlights
Turnouts are key parts of rail roads and are exposed to adverse weather conditions such as snowfall, snow drifts, low temperatures, or sleet
For the switch-rail touching the stock-rail in resistance heating, maximum temperature (T1)
Increment the switch-rail touching the stock-rail in resistance heating, maximum temperature (T1) increment
Summary
Turnouts are key parts of rail roads and are exposed to adverse weather conditions such as snowfall, snow drifts, low temperatures, or sleet. A severe winter may block turnouts and disrupt traffic. Effective protection ensures good operation of turnouts and contributes to rail traffic efficiency and safety. Turnouts are normally comprised of a pair of fixed rails (stock-rail) and a pair of switching rails (switch-rail) that move between the On and Off positions. In the On position, the switch-rail rests against a stock-rail. In the Off position, the switch-rail is separated from the stock-rail so that the latter has no effect on a road wheel. It is important for the stock-rail and the switch-rail to be in good contact in the On position for the purposes of correct turnout operation. Turnouts are provided with sensors that warn of defective operations, they can result in substantial train delays and irritation to passengers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
