Author(s)

B.M. Steyn & J.D. van Wyk

Abstract

Failure mode effects and criticality analysis performed on signalling systems forms a major input into the safety case for a particular signalling system. With the introduction of variable speed drive locomotives without fail-safe interference monitors the principle of FMECA had to be extended to the locomotive power electronics and associated control circuits. Therefore, time domain simulation models were developed and used during the FMECA process. After the simulation models are calibrated by experimental results, it can be used very cost effectively to determine the effect of failure modes and transient conditions. The models developed for a current fed inverter drive locomotive will be discussed together with measurement

Keywords