3rd rail systems must be properly maintained to ensure trouble-free reliability. However, with limited maintenance resources and track maintenance windows much 3rd rail maintenance is reactive – that is fixing problems when they arise.&nbsp; A properly configured and implemented 3rd rail analysis system enables maintainers to adopt a targeted Preventive Maintenance approach to the 3rd rail.&nbsp; By pinpointing potential problems maintainers can focus their valuable resources on the most critical conditions and locations before service is affected.&nbsp;The relatively low price point for sensor and processing technology has fostered the development of cost-effective tools for the analysis of 3rd rail systems.&nbsp; Multi-channel data acquisition devices allow for simultaneous capture of a dozen or more variables with total sampling rates in the GHz range. Superimposing this data on train position creates a detailed and precise system condition map. In addition to mapping 3rd rail condition for PM activity, this technology can also be used to verify and correct system condition at commissioning, thereby establishing a baseline of system condition for future analysis.&nbsp; Data such as collector shoe impact, voltage variation, and current level is captured and can be compared with periodic analyses to identify trends in 3rd rail condition.This paper examines the configuration and use of a 3rd rail analysis system for both legacy and greenfield applications.&nbsp; The author steps through system architecture, data analysis, and several case studies of how the data was used to identify and locate problems that compromised system reliability and efficiency.&nbsp; Whether evaluating the alignment of the power rail contact surface during pre-commissioning or mapping the power rail condition during routine maintenance, modern power rail analysis technology offers significant benefits to installers and maintainers.&nbsp;

Analysis of 3rd Rail Condition and Performance With a Data Acquisition Suite

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/JRC/JRC2021/volume/84775

2021 Joint Rail Conference (JRC2021)

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