In recent years the introduction of ECP (Electronically Controlled
Pneumatic) brake technology offered a new era in train brake
systems. However the uptake of ECP braking for freight trains
world-wide has been slow due to the significant financial cost. It
is apparent that traditional brake pipe – triple valve
systems – will be in use in freight railways for many years.
This project, as an alternative to Rail CRC’s Project 40
developing OZ-ECP brakes, has further developed the understanding
of conventional pneumatic train braking systems in the Australian
context and has worked to deliver improvements in triple valve
braking systems.
The project aims to deliver a better performance braking system to
the rail industry. There are a number of benefits which include:
reduced risk of derailment, longer trains (higher productivity)
using existing brake systems (with modifications), reduced
maintenance costs and maximisation of braking equipment life,
faster trip times, reduced fuel consumption and improved driver
comfort.
The project and its associated technology, has been estimated by
STEM Partnerships in 2006, to have the potential to deliver a risk
free value of $60.9 million over the next 15 years. Taking into
account the risks involved in delivering the technology both
domestically and internationally, the expected value of the project
is estimated at $20.5 million.
Progress to Date:
- Thorough comparison of Australian and North American systems
completed.
- Brake system design parameters collected for equipment in common
Australian usage.
- Train simulation studies conducted to access where improvements
would have favourable impact on train dynamics.
- Laboratory testing of different bulb sizes, branch pipe lengths and
pipe bracket configurations.
- Triple valve system modification advice developed from experimental
work to provide knowledge base for future research.
- Simulation model for Australian-style triple valves completed.
- Fast algorithm simulation model of Australian style brake
pipe-triple system completed.
- Simulation study of propagation enhancement has been completed on
AAV valves added to the Australian brake pipe-triple system.
Future outcomes:
- Provide a detailed simulator for Australian-style brake systems.
- Design a simple and economic propagation acceleration valve (as an
alternative to AAV or similar Australian triple/bulb systems).
- Establish the benefits and limitations of:
- Minor plumbing changes of the branch pipe on combined reservoir
systems.
- Larger bulbs with reduced restrictions.
- Larger diameter branch pipes.
Project Leader: Dr Colin Cole (Central Queensland University)
Project Manager: Mr Barry Payne (Queensland Rail)
