Thermal imaging diagnostics in innovative railroad switch heating systems

The article presents research problems related to the operation of classical switch heating solutions and systems. This is due, among other things, to the excessive use of electricity and the strive to optimize these solutions. An overview of research related to various electric switch heating (ESH) systems is presented extensively in Chapter 2. This article presents selected results of thermal imaging measurements of ESH electric switch heating components used to heat railroad switches under the BRIK2/0036/2022 project. The study was carried out for different types of ordinary railroad switches most commonly used on the PKP PLK network. The studies included various positions of the switches in the normal position (straight track) and the non-normal position (switch track). The tests were conducted on real objects and under conditions allowing for the snowing of critical elements of the switch. The use of thermal imaging cameras and classic thermoelectric sensors with a recorder allowed for the assessment of the effectiveness of existing switch heating systems as well as proposed modifications. The results of the study made it possible to observe the temperature distribution for different switch design solutions and switch heating systems, and to interpret the results. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the new solution in the area of electric switch heating with dedicated radiation overlays is more efficient compared to the classic solution. The use of thermal imaging cameras in research has enabled the execution and recording of heating sequences of the switch and imaging in the visible spectrum of the electromagnetic spectrum for snow melting in critical areas, such as the switch zones. Further work will focus on preparing a diagnostic manual for services responsible for the maintenance of railway switches, including the use of thermal imaging diagnostics. Subsequently, the authors will prepare the assumptions and criteria for the development of an application to assist in the interpretation of thermograms, which can be a tool supporting the diagnostics of electric switch heating (ESH) devices. The creation of a simple diagnostic tool that allows for the assessment and facilitates the interpretation of the obtained thermogram may enable maintenance services to make appropriate decisions regarding the operation of ESH systems.