Ajni ELS developing wireless system in locomotives for push-pull mode
| Date :23-May-2019 |
By Sagar Mohod:
After being credited with successful rollout of push-pull in locomotives, Ajni-based Electric Loco Shed (ELS) is readying for upgrading it to wireless mode. It would be done through Distributed Power Wireless Control System (DPWCS) that are being fitted in locomotives that are presented for Periodic Overhauling (PoH) at the shed. The system would enable reception of signal between through antennas fitted atop both the locomotives, akin to bluetooth system that enables paring of two mobiles.
At present, the front and last engines are inter-connected through a cable that runs through the passenger coaches, stated Additional Divisional Electrical Engineer (ADEE) Ravi Mohan Srivastav. With wireless system the cable would no longer needed thereby enabling savings on cost and trouble free operations. The trouble with current rakes of Indian Railways are not suitable as cable needs to attached during the manufacturing stage.
The cable that inter-connects the coaches makes them power car in itself and while running they generate power providing the additional acceleration end to end. Added Srivastav, the wireless mode is almost ready as the software that needed to push-pull is same in wired and wireless mode. Within few months such wireless enabled locomotives would run within Central Railway and same technology will thereafter be transferred to other Electric Sheds of Railways. Ajni Shed he said has readied six locomotives for running with traditional push-pull mode and they would soon be deployed at Pune Division most probably for hauling Delhi-bound trains.
One important aspect in push-pull mode is that locomotives have to be similar mode, means they must have the same technology and then only it works as it creates problem of compatibility. Currently Indian Railways have locomotives supplied by ABB, BHEL, Bombardier, TGL wherein circuit and engines pattern are different from one another. Currently the push-pull is introduced on WAP-7 locomotives, mostly white in colour that are used for hauling Duranto trains over Indian Railways network. Duranto and Rajdhani trains are the fastest over Railways and further with double engine with push-pull further savings of time could be possible. Due to cramped situation on tracks Railways had taken up expansion projects to decongest its network but that would still take few more years.
This is putting problems on maintenance that too is now listed as priority due to which long distance trains are running latest as blocks have to be provided on demand as safety is paramount. But given current position on tracks and ever increasing load of new trains Railways is deciding newer ways to curtail running time. This is also due to one more aspect that is increase in number of stoppages that would means Mail/Express trains would need faster acceleration wherein this push-pull comes handy.