Railway vehicles diesel engine and turbo transmission optimal coupling

Abstract

Fulfilment of the optimal traction conditions (primarily the maximum tractive force and efficiency coefficient) of a diesel motor train depends on proper coupling of the diesel engine and turbo transmission (torque converter). During the construction and installation of new engines and transmissions, or during diesel engine replacement, it is necessary to adjust the operational characteristics of the engine. In this paper, the methodology outlined was developed and applied in the reconstruction project of the diesel motor train produced by Macosa, Spain, and used by the Macedonian Railways. Reconstruction has included replacement of the diesel engine, the replacement of the complete cooling system for the diesel engine, the turbo transmission and the axle transmitter. To verify the reconstruction, power system tests were carried out on the test rig, including: (a) diesel engine and turbo transmission coupling testing, (b) determination of turbo transmission output traction parameters, and