Infrared Applications in Railway Transportation
High-speed rail, urban rail, and metro systems are critical components of the national infrastructure, forming the backbone of the transportation network. Their safety and reliability are of paramount importance. Infrared thermal imaging technology, a leading solution for non-contact, wide-area temperature measurement, offers real-time, precise, and non-destructive capabilities. Its thermal analysis functions are widely applied in monitoring and diagnosing various equipment in the railway transportation industry.
Pantograph Monitoring
Electrified railway systems rely on pantograph-catenary interaction to deliver power to locomotives. The quality and operational status of the catenary directly influence railway safety and efficiency. As the catenary is exposed to outdoor conditions, it is subject to contamination, corrosion, and wear, which can degrade its performance and cause safety issues.
Infrared thermal imaging technology enables real-time monitoring of the pantograph's surface thermal distribution during vehicle operation. It identifies and diagnoses abnormalities without disrupting operations, providing quick, accurate, and non-contact diagnostics. By analyzing thermal images of electrical components, the system can detect potential faults and prevent accidents effectively.
Wheel Axle, Hub, and Brake Disc Inspection
High-speed train systems utilize composite braking mechanisms, including disc brakes, regenerative brakes, air resistance brakes, and eddy current brakes. At lower speeds or during power outages, disc brakes serve as the primary braking mechanism, making their safety and stability critical.
Infrared thermal imaging monitors the temperature field on brake disc surfaces non-invasively. This allows early detection of abnormalities like heat cracks caused by uneven stress cycles, ensuring the safety of high-speed train operations. Thermal imaging provides accurate, high-speed measurements of critical braking components, issuing timely warnings to prevent accidents.
Electric Locomotive Diagnostics
The electrical systems in locomotives generate heat during operation, and potential faults often manifest as abnormal temperature changes on equipment and connectors. Infrared thermal imaging captures accurate temperature distribution data across the locomotive's interior equipment, allowing operators to identify and assess faults early.
Coupled with the General Image Infrared Analysis Software, the system processes thermal data to optimize diagnostics and provide risk assessments. This ensures early fault detection, precise diagnostics, and risk mitigation, significantly reducing the chances of accidents and operational downtime.
