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http://dx.doi.org/10.5762/KAIS.2020.21.2.503

Development of Switching and Heating Devices in Embedded Rack Track for Environmental-friendly Mountain Railway  

Seo, Sung-il (Division of Advanced Railroad Vehicle, Korea Railroad Research Institute)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society / v.21, no.2, 2020 , pp. 503-510 More about this Journal
Abstract
Eco-friendly mountain railways operate on concrete rack tracks embedded on existing sharp curved and steep roads to preserve the environment in mountainous areas. Owing to the narrow roads, single lines are inevitable, and many branches are required. In branches, previous switchers and heating devices cannot be applied, because of the limited spacing for the rack and the slow removal of thick ice. To solve these problems, a switch and a heating device have been developed. The switcher changes the line by moving the block of concrete track with hydraulic actuators. The lack of discontinuity reduces the derailment risk and makes locking simple. The heating device uses high frequency induction coils to increase the efficiency and melt the thick ice rapidly. The prototype switcher and heating device were produced and operated to prove their performance. The heating device yielded a 10 times greater efficiency than the previous one. The switcher and heating device are the essential core technologies for the operation of mountain trams in winter and contribute to the spread of mountain railways to domestic or foreign resort areas by enhancing safety and efficiency. In addition, they can provide transportation rights to local residents in poor winter traffic, and bring about tourism and local economic growth.
Keywords
Embedded Concrete Rack Track; Induction Heating; Mountain Tram; Switching Block; Hydraulic Actuator;
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