HIGH SPEED RAIL ACTUATION TECHNOLOGY

Rail applications are generally regarded as being far behind the leading edge of actuation technology. However, there are exceptions, such as the E5 Series Shinkansen in Japan, which operates at a maximum speed of 320 km/h. This train is known for its excellent ride comfort.

An electromechanical actuator incorporating a planetary roller screw developed by Moog is used to improve the ride comfort of the E5 Series Shinkansen. This enables an active electric sway control system, as shown above, whereby a damping mechanism eliminates vibration by proactively applying a canceling force to the actuator in accordance with the lateral movement of the rail car.

The operator of the E5 Series, the East Japan Railway Company, had been using active sway control powered by a pneumatic actuator (Note 1). However, pneumatic actuators use compressed air provided by the train, and therefore their performance is limited by the amount of compressed air available. Consequently, efforts were made to develop an actuator that operates with a power source other than compressed air. Also, more force was required across a wider frequency band to reduce vibration resulting from higher running speeds.

Note 1:
Shinkansen operated by other rail companies use semi-active sway control systems, which employ a variable oil damper to adjust damping force.

The operator of the E5 Series, the East Japan Railway Company, had been using active sway control powered by a pneumatic actuator (Note 1). However, pneumatic actuators use compressed air provided by the train, and therefore their performance is limited by the amount of compressed air available. Consequently, efforts were made to develop an actuator that operates with a power source other than compressed air. Also, more force was required across a wider frequency band to reduce vibration resulting from higher running speeds.

Shinkansen operated by other rail companies use semi-active sway control systems, which employ a variable oil damper to adjust damping force.

Through prototype evaluation, East Japan Railway engineers found that electromechanical actuators could be configured to be more compact, while providing good response and high thrust. Subsequently, an electromechanical actuator incorporating a planetary roller screw was determined through trial and error to be the optimal solution. In view of the relatively large number of mechanical parts involved, these planetary roller screw type actuators were endurance tested under a variety of conditions.

The operating principle of active sway control is as follows. An accelerometer detects lateral sway of the train carriage attributable to the rails, air flow, and other external factors. A controller then calculates the necessary thrust required to counter sway and this is sent to the actuator. Each bogey has one actuator and a passive damper to attenuate lateral vibration.

The passive damper provides the damping force when the electromechanical actuator is not activated, and decreases the damping force required when the actuator is activated in order to maximize its damping effect. As a result, passengers enjoy a comfortable ride at even at operating speeds of 320 km/h.

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If Moog's electromechanical actuators could improve your rail operations, complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you to find out more and develop the ideal solution.

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HIGH SPEED RAIL ACTUATION TECHNOLOGY

Rail applications are generally regarded as being far behind the leading edge of actuation technology. However, there are exceptions, such as the E5 Series Shinkansen in Japan, which operates at a maximum speed of 320 km/h. This train is known for its excellent ride comfort.

How Can We Help?

References