Prayagraj, 19 Sept (HS): The Electric Loco Shed (ELS) in

Kanpur, of North Central Railway, has

undertaken a novel and unique initiative in the field of railway technology.

The Kanpur shed has installed an industrial 'Rotary Desiccant Dehumidifier' on

locomotive number 44061. The primary objective of this initiative is to protect

the 'traction converter'—a critical electronic component of the engine—from

moisture and to enhance the operational efficiency of the electronic equipment.

This entire initiative is the brainchild of General Manager Naresh

Pal Singh, who is personally monitoring the project and its performance. This

technology, widely used globally, is being tested here for the first time after

being adapted to suit the specific operating conditions and weather patterns of

Indian Railways.

The traction converter is considered the 'heart' of any

modern electric engine. During the monsoon season or periods of high humidity,

moisture in the air poses a risk of corrosion and oxidation to electronic

cards, connectors, and metal contacts. Moisture also causes dust and dirt to

adhere easily, leading to issues such as electrical leakage and short circuits

(flashovers).

The 'rotary dehumidifier' installed to address this issue

absorbs excess moisture from the air. By maintaining a dry internal

environment, the electronic equipment remains protected, significantly reducing

the likelihood of sudden malfunctions.

Technology to Match International Standards: This experiment

brings Indian Railways closer to the technical standards found in European

locomotive platforms (such as Alstom Prima and Siemens Vectron). Such

'dehumidification systems' have been successfully used in Europe to protect

sensitive power-electronic equipment.

Key benefits of this new technology:

Protection against corrosion: It eliminates the problem of

corrosion in electronic and electrical components.

Protection against dust: It reduces the accumulation of dust

on components caused by moisture.

Improved insulation: The equipment's insulation remains

intact for a longer period.

Reduced malfunctions: The risk of short circuits and

traction converter failures caused by moisture is significantly minimized.

Time savings: The need for frequent locomotive repairs

decreases, allowing them to remain in service on the tracks for longer periods.

Currently, the locomotive equipped with this system (No.

44061) is fully operational and running on the route. After a three-month trial

run, once the engine returns to the Kanpur shed, a detailed analysis of its

data and performance will be conducted. If the trial proves successful, this

cost-effective technology will be implemented in the engines of other trains

operating in monsoon-prone and high-humidity regions.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi