Evaluation of the resource and characteristics of the insulation of traction motors of locomotives by means of accelerated heat aging method
Authors:   JSC “Research and Development Institute of Rolling Stock” (JSC “VNIKTI”), Prokhor D. I. , Grachev N. V. ,   JSC “Research and Development Institute of Rolling Stock” (JSC “VNIKTI”)
Published: March 2021

Objective: An equivalent mode of accelerated thermal aging of the insulation system of electrical ma- chines is described to conﬁrm the resource corresponding to a given period and operating conditions. Methods: The equivalent mode of accelerated heat aging was determined based on the Montzinger rule and tested in the course of research and development work (R&D) on the development, manufacture and implementation of a set of bench and operational tests of the insulation system of an increased heat resistance class of a diesel locomotive traction motor. Results: The relevance of R&D has been revealed, as a result of which the implementation of the idea was required, based on the statement about the re- duction of the insulation resource of electrical machines when the permissible heating is exceeded by 8–12 °С to various types of insulating materials. The advantages of the method presented in the article in relation to traditional solutions of this problem are demonstrated, and also improved consumer proper- ties of the traction electric motor of a diesel locomotive with a replaced insulation system of an increased class of heat resistance are presented. Generally, experimental tests and preliminary operational data are an acceptable basis for thermal evaluation of electrical insulating materials. However, it is important to remember that the scientiﬁc criterion is met and not to use the results of different types of tests in the analysis. Based on the world experience in diagnostics of additional insulation parameters for monitoring the state of insulation parameters, the possibility of using the “Doctor” series insulation monitoring de- vices has been determined and practically conﬁrmed. Together with the results of subsequent operational tests, during which the insulation was also monitored using these mobile devices, it is argued that after carrying out the relevant research work, thanks to the mobile devices of the “Doctor” series, it is pos- sible to carry out predictive analytics of the failure of traction motors (TED) in any operating conditions. The functional value is determined and applied in practice. The “H” class insulation system developed by the specialists of JSC “VNIKTI” is mainly based on insulating materials produced by JSC “Holding Company „Elinar“”; the compound “Elplast 180ID” (JSC “Electroizolit”) or its analogue “Elkom-180” JSC “Holding company „Elinar“”), for anchor coils and equalizers, a wound PPIPK-2 wire in polyimide- ﬂuoroplastic insulation (GC “Moskabelmet”) is used. Practical importance: It is stated that all stages of manufacturing and testing, determined at the initial stage of R&D, conﬁrmed the results of the deve- lopment stages (overhaul (manufacture) of prototypes of TED using a new isolation system according to the design documentation of JSC “VNIKTI”). Bench tests have conﬁrmed typical characteristics, speci- ﬁed resource and insulation characteristics with equivalent accelerated thermal aging corresponding to an electric motor’s service life of 20 years in ordinary operation on a diesel locomotive, residual life of elements of the insulation system of naturally cut armature segments, main and auxiliary poles coils. In the specialized laboratory of JSC “Holding Company „Elinar“”, an experimental TED diesel locomotive set with the investigated insulation system was manufactured and installed on two sections of the main- line diesel locomotive 2TE116. Operational tests of an experimental TED diesel locomotive set under operating conditions were successful.