Types of Brake in Vande Bharat Express

Summary

In this video, the host discusses the advanced braking system of the Vande Bharat Express, breaking down its key components. The system features multiple types of brakes, including Auto Braking, Regenerative Braking, Electro-Pneumatic Braking, Parking Brake, Holding Brake, and Towing Brake. Each type is explained in detail, emphasizing how they work together to ensure safety and efficiency. From non-friction regenerative braking that saves energy to fail-safe parking brakes that prevent the train from rolling, this video provides a comprehensive understanding of the train's sophisticated braking technology.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Vande Bharat Express features a unique braking system compared to conventional trains like the LHB system, which uses twin-pipe braking.
• 😀 The first type of brake in Vande Bharat is the Auto Brake or Direct Braking, operated by a control handle on the loco pilot's left side, with three positions for different brake actions.
• 😀 Regenerative Braking, also known as Electrodynamic Braking, involves motors acting as generators to produce electricity, making the system energy-efficient.
• 😀 In regenerative braking, traction motors stop consuming electricity and start producing it, feeding the energy back into the system and reducing energy waste.
• 😀 Vande Bharat features Electropneumatic Braking, a more advanced braking system that provides faster and more reliable braking compared to traditional pneumatic systems.
• 😀 Parking Brakes are fail-safe and automatically apply to prevent the train from rolling when in a standing position or if the pressure drops below 3.5 kg/cm².
• 😀 The parking brake is spring-actuated, meaning it applies without additional pressure, but releasing it requires pressure control.
• 😀 Each coach in Vande Bharat is equipped with a manual lever to release the parking brake, providing an additional level of control.
• 😀 The Holding Brake is automatically applied when the train reaches zero speed, ensuring that the train does not move once it has stopped.
• 😀 Towing Brakes are used when the train needs to be moved with a loco or engine, involving the connection of the MR pipe from the loco to the Vande Bharat's braking system.

Q & A

What is the key feature of the braking system in the Vande Bharat Express?

The Vande Bharat Express features a multi-faceted braking system that includes auto braking, regenerative braking, electro-pneumatic braking, parking brakes, holding brakes, and towing brakes. Each type of brake has a specific function to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.

How does the auto or direct braking system in the Vande Bharat Express work?

The auto braking system is controlled by the loco pilot using a brake controller. The controller has three positions: forward (charging), lap (hold), and backward (application). In the forward position, the brake pressure builds up, in the lap position, the pressure remains constant, and in the backward position, the brakes are applied.

What is regenerative or electrodynamic braking, and how does it work?

Regenerative braking uses the traction motors of the train. When the power supply is cut, the motors act as generators, producing electricity while simultaneously providing braking force. This process is energy-efficient as it both generates and saves electricity.

What is the main advantage of electro-pneumatic braking compared to traditional pneumatic braking?

Electro-pneumatic braking is faster and more reliable than traditional pneumatic braking. It uses charging and venting coils to apply brake pressure more efficiently, reducing response time and improving overall system performance.

How does the parking brake function in the Vande Bharat Express?

The parking brake is a fail-safe system that prevents the train from rolling when stationary. It is automatically applied if the master key is removed or if air pressure drops below 3.5 kg/cm². It uses a spring-actuated mechanism for application, and the release requires controlled pressure.

What is the holding brake, and when is it applied?

The holding brake is automatically applied when the train reaches zero speed. It is controlled pneumatically and is designed to keep the train stationary. It is released automatically when the driving handle is moved.

What is the purpose of the towing brake in the Vande Bharat Express?

The towing brake is used when the train needs to be moved by a locomotive or engine. It involves connecting the train’s brake system to the loco’s brake system to ensure that braking is applied when the loco’s brake pressure drops.

What happens when the master key is removed in the Vande Bharat Express?

When the master key is removed, the parking brakes are automatically applied to prevent the train from rolling. This is a fail-safe feature to ensure the train remains stationary.

What is the role of the BBP (brake pipe pressure) in the braking system?

The BBP, or brake pipe pressure, is critical in systems like auto braking and regenerative braking. In the auto braking system, the BBP needs to reach a specific level for the brakes to charge or apply, while in regenerative braking, BBP is not directly involved.

How does the electro-dynamic braking system contribute to energy efficiency?

Electro-dynamic braking contributes to energy efficiency by using the traction motors to generate electricity during braking. This electricity is fed back into the system, saving energy while also providing effective braking force.