DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRIBUTED POWER WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM

FOR
25kV AC ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
FOR
LONG HAULED TRAIN OPERATION
Electrical Directorate of RDSO has pioneered the development of Distributed Power
Wireless Control System (DPWCS) for electric locomotive in the history of Electric
locomotives.
Wireless MU coupler system by using Radio Frequency (RF) technology is developed by
Electrical Directorate of RDSO in association with M/s Lotus Wireless Technologies India Pvt.
Ltd, Vishakhapatnam to replace the existing wire couplers. The locomotive in such system can be
either in multiples i.e. all working in front or some may work in middle or rear of train.
1. The first successful run of WMUCS, fitted on 2 nos. , ARNO type WAG7 locos ,was
carried out in BDCR(Bhadrachalem)-KRA(Karapally) section of 38.5km, having
undulating gradients in the range of 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 of SCR on dated 12/5/2011
with 58+1 BOBRN (Coal, Weight: 4735) load & same is reported to be working
satisfactory.
2. Operational trial of long hauled train (PYTHON) was done in MUGR-BDCR-DKJ
section of SCR with two freight trains (118 wagons i.e. 2X 59BOXNM1;coal weight
including test cars & loco weight :11445.74 t) amalgamated in a single train with hauling
by two MU of WAG7 electric locomotives fitted with Distributed Power Wireless Control
System (DPWCS) from 24/5/12 to 21/6/2012 . The final report of the trial is under
examination & is in the final stage of issuance by Testing Dte. The fine tuning of system
will be undertaken based upon the outcome of the trial.

The operation of long hauled train with DPWCS is intended to give

following benefits.
Increased Wagon turnaround and throughput.
Long hauls can be run to use the existing railway infrastructure without
system immediate inputs.
Frequent Brake Pipe Pressure Continuity Test not required or can be
completely eliminated since the same can be maintained through lead
loco.
Stallings Eliminated by virtue of Unidirectional Power application.
Working of train from Remote loco even if the lead loco is failed.
Reduction in coupler forces (locomotives work either in the middle or
rear of the train other than the lead locomotive) & in-turn reduction in
train parting incidences.
Reduction in application & release timing of brake which will enable
faster acceleration of trains after instances of braking.
System has huge potential for saving of crew as only one crew is
required in lead loco to control the train.
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