System for increasing wheel rail friction in low adhesion conditions

摘要

A train mounted system for the controlled addition of water to one or more of the wheel rail contact points 3 of a train in conditions of low wheel rail friction characterised in that the addition of water increases the wheel rail traction coefficient to at least 0.1 at speeds below 50kph. The water delivery rate may be constant or may vary, possibly in relation to train speed. The temperature and/or the pH of the water added to the contact point 3 may be controlled. The water added to the contact point 3 may be heated. The system may comprise a water store 7, pump 6, controller and delivery nozzles 5. The system may be activated by a control signal when a low adhesion event is detected or when the train is braked. The water used may be from on-train water resources, waste water, atmospheric water vapour and/or rain water. There may be a control valve 9 and accumulator 10.