Power Consumption Analysis of High-Speed Train’s Brake Discs

Abstract

Apart from the aerodynamic drag produced by transitional motion of high-speed train, the rotational parts of the train, especially the ventilated discs mounted on axles, would also cause resistance torques due to air pumping effect, which consume traction power. In this paper the train running process is divided into traction, uniform running and braking three phases, then the power consumed by the brake discs as well as the proportion of which in total traction or braking power during the three periods is calculated based on kinetic energy theorem. The results indicate that, during traction and uniform running period, the power consumption of brake discs shares 2.84% and 12.87% of total traction power, and in brake stage, the proportion is 0.78%. What is more, in the uniform running phase, the proportion of brake discs power consumption caused by resistance torque can reach to 7.68%. If the air inlet of brake disc is blocked during traction and uniform running period to weaken air pumping effect, the useless power consumption can be effectively reduced and the traction efficiency can be improved.