Investigating Drying Modes of the Traction Motor Moistened Insulation on Locomotives from the Perspective of Energy Efficiency

Purpose: This paper dwells upon the current problems of improving locomotive traction engine reliability in mountainous terrain and extreme weather conditions. Extremely negative temperatures have a great impact on the insulation of the power equipment during the operation of the rolling stock. The technological process of drying includes changing the cycle duration and operation periods of heating elements over time in each subsequent cycle. Methods: Comparing the power supply modes in the process of drying the traction motor moistened insulation by selecting a special unit control. Using the available equations to construct a heating and cooling curve during the drying process. Results: On comparing the power supply modes, a combined method for regulating drying of moistened insulation is proposed. The results obtained make it possible to produce high-quality drying of moistened insulation based on the actual degree of the material moisture content. The graphs of heating unit and fan power dependence on drying time have been built for each power supply mode under consideration. They show how the indicators of heating curves of insulation and energy consumption change. Practical significance: The results obtained demonstrate the necessity of using a threecycle method of drying the moistened insulation based on the actual moisture content of the equipment insulation. This method of energy supply can solve an urgent problem of improving the quality of the dried equipment, reducing energy costs and increasing the equipment durability.