Compressed Air System
The compressed air system in the class 101 is similar to the system found in other locomotives. Via air intake in the engine room, air is suctioned through a filter, and is compressed by a screw-type compressor to a maximum of 10 bar (1,000 kPa/150 psi). The compressor is controlled by a pressure control device and automatically turns on at 8.5 bar (850 kPa/123 psi), then shuts off at 10 bar (1,000 kPa/150 psi). The compressed air is then conducted through an air conditioning unit and is stored in two 400-liter main air reservoirs. The entire system is protected against excess pressure by two safety valves, which kick in at 10.5 and 12 bar (1.05 and 1.2 MPa/152 and 170 psi) pressure. The compressor is also individually monitored, and shuts off at oil temperatures above 110 °C (230 °F).
In cases where there is not enough air available at locomotive start-up, even though the system features an automatically operated shut-off valve at locomotive shut-down, it is possible to supply air to the pantographs and main switch with a battery-powered auxiliary compressor, up to a pressure of 7 bar (700 kPa/100 psi).
The compressed air system supplies the following components:
- brakes
- sand distributor
- flange oilers
- wind screen washer system
- train whistles
Sand distribution system
To increase the transfer of train and brake power from the wheels to the rails, the locomotive can disperse sand onto the rails. The sand is stored in eight containers, one per wheel, on the undercarriage. When activated by the driver, compressed air is sent through the sand metering system, and sand is blown through downspouts to the front of the forward wheels in the direction of travel. At temperatures lower than 5 °C (41 °F), this system is heated, and the sand is regularly mixed inside the containers.
Flange oilers
In order to conserve the wheel flange, a biodegradable fat/oil is automatically sprayed via compressed air into the channel between wheel flange and wheel surface of the front wheel, based on the current speed.
Train whistles
On the roof of the each driver's cab are two whistles, which produce warning sounds of 370 and 660 Hz. These whistles are activated via a pressure valve located on the floor of the cab near the driver's feet, or via pneumatic pushbuttons located around the driver's cab.
Read more about this topic: DBAG Class 101
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