Introduction:
Battery-powered locomotives are designed for horizontal rail transport especially in mines and enclosed spaces. They are also intended for use in potentially explosive environment with coal dust and methane in volume up to 1.5 %. They are certified according to European safety standards. They can work on slopes of rail lines up to 35‰ , with track gauge from 500 to 1060 mm, at ambient temperatures from -20°C to +40°C.
Locomotives are with single cabin and two cabins weighing from 3.5 t to 18 t. Cabins are removable, due to a simple transport into underground tunnels. Transmission of torque moment from the electric motors is through the axle gearbox to travel wheels. The chassis is of dual-axle type and travel wheels are secured with interchangeable rims. Suspension of locomotive is provided by elastic rubber-metal blocks of sagittal shape or by means of springs in accordance with the track quality.
Three-phase, asynchronous, electric motors with external cooling, and with power from 10 kW to 2x45 kW are practically maintenance-free. Speed and torque of the motors are controlled by a frequency inverter with controller unit. Electric batteries are of the container type and adapted for easy maintenance and replacement. Speed control and braking is proportional by means of one lever, in the whole range of travelling speed.
Locomotive braking is performed by two independent systems on both axles: electrodynamic – it means by electric motors through mechanical gears and mechanical – it means by mechanical dual circuit brake and by mechanical action through direct linkage to travel wheels. Brake control is proportional and maximum brake force/stopping power is self-adjustable. Parking brake is automatic. The security system provides automatic stop of the locomotive engine in a case of failure mode and when exceeding the temperature and pressure limit values. The driver is informed about all conditions by means of a display on the dashboard and such information is saved into control system memory.
