Due to its large size, the maintenance services are divided into strategic areas to serve the 16 existing lines optimally and exclusively. A breakdown in a train can jeopardize the proper functioning and punctuality of a line. That is why the maintenance service needs to have technological test tools to anticipate problems through predictive maintenance.
Based on periodic, systematically conducted braking performance tests, Metro de Madrid can reliably and safely roll out condition-based maintenance.
A series of measurements on three different braking systems (pneumatic brake, electrical brake, and emergency brake) lets Metro de Madrid better plan their maintenance cycles and deploy their predictive maintenance concept.
To perform brake testing on a total of 276 different metro cars, Metro de Madrid required a precise, robust, and portable system that it could install on the different trainsets. The portable and rugged Q.brixx X system proofed to be the ideal system for this application. A Q.brixx XL A108-4M1 measurement module acquires an acceleration signal from a Dytran series 7577 high precision MEMS sensor. The signal is sampled at a rate of 100 Hz, and unwanted noise is then filtered out with a fourth-order lowpass Butterworth filter. For improved robustness, the Q.brixx X system is installed inside a custom-made Pelicase.
Before the braking test, the metro car is placed on a horizontal track, and the accelerometer offset is eliminated. The metro then performs an acceleration and deceleration cycle. The braking and rest endpoints are selected for each cycle. The average steady-state acceleration and deceleration values are then calculated. Next, the average acceleration value during the rest phase after the braking is calculated. This value represents the mean value. Finally, the average deceleration is calculated as the absolute value of the difference between braking deceleration and rest acceleration.
For user convenience and to ensure test repeatability, instrutechSOLUTIONS developed a custom software application. The application was written in Python, benefiting from the open and flexible interfaces known as GI.connectivity, which came free of charge with the DAQ system. The Python application allows setting the accelerator offset, displaying the measured acceleration/deceleration signal, and providing a pass/fail indication for the average deceleration measured during brake testing.
This test & measurement application showcases the versatility of Gantner’s Q.series X data acquisition system. Combining of a flexible and modular hardware platform, in combination with reliable data exchange and interoperability through various read/write interfaces, makes Gantner Instruments one of the most sought-after companies for data acquisition systems.
Modules used:
- 1x Q.brixx X station B
- 1x Q.brixx XL A108-4M1
- 1x GI.bench Data Acquisition Software
More articles
Mesures Solutions EXPO 2020
To be as close as possible to the customers, that is the motto of the Mesures Solutions EXPO, which will be held on the 14th and 15th of October at the Cité des Congrès in Lyon. By proposing a general offer that meets the multiple potential needs, the exhibitors wanted to bring together measurement professionals in one place to offer them complete solutions. Visitors can thus have access to a diversified offer, whatever their expectations, techniques and processes used.
Read more...Precise Temperature Measurement with Pt100
Temperature measurement is one of our key competence areas. Here we maintain a position of global leadership. Our advanced 4-channel Q.bloxx A105 measurement module sets new standards in terms of stability and precision. For many different applications, the extremely precise and stable measurement of temperatures is an absolute prerequisite for the control of processes or the success of product innovations. In addition to the essential precision, particularly important aspects of this are the maintenance of stability when changes occur in the ambient temperature and ensuring long-term stability.
Read more...Test Like You Fly, Fly Like You Test
When building a rocket there is a whole flight certification process, and qualification is an important part of that. It proves the hardware meets the requirements and performs the way it is designed to do. Of all parts of a rocket, the engine section is perhaps the most critical during launch. The weight of the massive rocket is pushing down, while the engines are pushing up with millions of pounds of thrust. Whether it is an engine for experimental rockets or for commercial spaceflight, adequate testing is critical to the success of each launch program.
Read more...EtherCAT performance combined with industry leading DAQ: 5 benefits you’re missing out on
We have compiled a list of the 5 most significant benefits of using an EtherCAT-based data acquisition system. If you’re not already familiar with EtherCAT, prepare to be enlightened. If you’re among the many engineers that use EtherCAT in your testing lab then you can consider this a confirmation of why you do what you do – and an excellent place to direct those who still think Industrial Ethernet is not suitable for high-performance testing applications.
Read more...