Increasing the efficiency of existing systems of rheostatic braking of diesel locomotives

Abstract

Electrical rheostat braking is used in a large number of diesel locomotives. The article analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the existing systems of rheostatic braking of diesel locomotives and electric rolling stock. The basic scheme of rheostatic braking of a six-axle section of the 2TE116 diesel locomotive is given. Its advantages and disadvantages are noted. The system of rheostatic braking with independent excitation, which is more widely used on the electric rolling stock of Russian railways, is analyzed in detail. A circuit- based solution of the rheostat brake system of the 2TE116U diesel locomotive is proposed that makes it possible to apply rheostatic braking without additional fuel consumption. The operation of the proposed scheme is described, as are its main advantages over the existing technical solutions. It is hypothesized that this system, without increasing the fuel consumption for traction, will also reduce the brake-pad consumption to 60%.