Dimensionamento de uma bancada de testes para compressor exaustor da locomotiva U20c-Ge

Abstract

This monograph addresses the design of a test bench for locomotive exhaust compressors, an essential instrument for the safe and efficient operation of the railway system. The study seeks to meet the growing need for maintenance and testing of equipment used in railway transport. Exhaust compressors play a fundamental role in locomotive braking systems, directly influencing their responsiveness and safety during operation. Therefore, performing rigorous tests is essential to ensure that this equipment operates effectively and within the standards required by the railway industry. This study was motivated by the lack of a suitable bench for performing these tests. The work begins with a review of the literature on exhaust compressors, addressing their operating principle, types and applications in locomotives. Several models available on the market were analyzed. Based on this analysis, a set of requirements that the test bench must meet to enable accurate and reliable evaluations of the compressors was defined. The methodology adopted involved collecting data on the operating conditions of the exhaust compressors, including pressures, flow rates and temperatures. Based on these data, AUTOCAD (Computer Aided Design) software was used to model the bench. The sizing criteria involved structural and functional aspects, focusing on operator safety and test effectiveness. In addition to the technical aspect, the work also discusses the economic viability of having an appropriate test bench. Implementing an appropriate structure can significantly reduce maintenance costs and increase the operational efficiency of locomotives, resulting in direct benefits for the company. The results obtained show that the bench developed meets the necessary specifications and is capable of performing tests accurately, allowing faults to be identified and maintenance to be predicted before potential problems become critical. This not only increases the safety of railway operations, but also contributes to reducing unexpected shutdowns and excessive expenditure on corrective maintenance. Finally, the project also proposes recommendations for training professionals who will operate the test bench. A specific training program is essential to ensure that operators understand all aspects of the tests performed, thus maximizing the use of the bench and ensuring safety and efficiency in operations.