Condition monitoring of power plant for 24 Class locomotives using COMO-D/R

摘要

The design and construction of modern mechanical structures is in many cases a process of putting together a set of individually optimised components, and rarely results in an optical solution. The use of different systems from different manufacturers, with their relative stiffness and dynamics characteristics, usually leads to incompatibility of interfaces and can lead to premature failure or excessive wear and tear. A typical example is vehicle design. Improved static design tools, implementation on computers and so on have resulted in lighter structures carrying more payload. Improved materials have also led to lighter constructions which, together with increased propulsion power, inherently contain potential ergonomic problems in terms of fatigue, noise and vibration. The 24 Class locomotive is a typical product of such phenomenon, especially when the engine and the carriage come from two separate manufacturers. The high rate of failures for the 24 Class locomotives due to breakage of components has called for a need to investigate into the vibration problems. The study is divided into two parts, namely dynamic design verification of the locomotive using modal analysis and condition monitoring of the engine components using vibration spectrum analysis. In the previous paper a complete modal analysis of the 24 Class locomotives was discussed and the outcome of the tests resulted in a massive programme of reinforcement of bogies for all type 24 locomotives. However, this paper discusses the implementation of a condition monitoring and diagnosis system (COMO), and considers the benefits such a strategy can offer.