Railway influence on Inverters.

[FFBC]

We came across a discussion, someone used the term Anscillation,not sure of the spelling.

This was about the influence in frequency, vibration or voltage fluctuation on electronic components. We now have been looking for information on the subject with no joy, is there any info even not relating to the term Anscillation, giving tips on determining and solving electronic problems, where the only abnormal factor seems to be the fact that there is a busy railway line close to the plant!?

 

[Skogsgurra]

Oscillation? Cancellation? ???

Sounds like some not-so-well-informed individual contributed with some hear-say here. Do not take such utterances seriously.

If the railway is steam or diesel, I think that you can forget about it as a source of electric interference. If it is electric, then you may have some magnetic influence. This is best seen on computer screens (CRT, not LCD and plasma) where the whole screen wiggles when a train is in the neighbourhood. This interference seldom (never) causes any problem with drives.

Then, there might - but only might - be some influence on the ground potential, which can cause problems if your potentiometers or other setpoint devices are analogue and separated several tens of meters from the drive.

I cannot see any other possible inluence from a railway. And - frankly - I do not see that these two can do any harm either.

 

[ScottyUK]

It is possible that a particularly weak HV supply might be adversely affected by the traction rectifier, and that you share a point of common coupling with this weak HV supply which is causing the problems you're seeing. Normally the connection agreement is pretty tough on harmonic pollution from large rectifiers. A power quality survey at your incoming utility connection would quickly identify any such problem if it exists.





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If we learn from our mistakes,
I'm getting a great education!

 

[Barry1961]

I would guess that a diesel locomotive could produce a lot of EMI. I would think that the amount of EMI produce by anything man made in the US would be regulated by the FCC. You might check the FCC site to see if there are specs on locomotives.

I used to work in a building next to a large rail yard. The yard engines would cause the whole building to shake but we never had any electronic problems.

I would suspect a ground problem.

Good luck.

Barry1961

 

[jraef]

If the railway line locomotives are using large and/or many electric traction drives, there most cretainly can be some effects, especially from RFI if they are not properly shielded. It could be like moving a powerful FM transmitter past your electronics.

"Venditori de oleum-vipera non vigere excordis populi"

 

[Skogsgurra]

Traction electronics for locomotives are governed by extra tough safety rules that preclude generation of EMI. The reason is that the trackside safety equipment shall not be influenced by the locomotive´s electrical equipment, mainly the traction system.

That makes locomotives among the nicest individuals when it comes to EMI. They are not powerful transmitters. There can be exceptions, but only if it is a very local railroad or in a country where the safety rules are less stringent.

 

[jraef]

OK good point. I have seen private rail systems in plants that were horrendous, but that was likely the exception rather than the rule.

"Venditori de oleum-vipera non vigere excordis populi"

 

[aolalde]

Ancillary equipment. Refers to auxiliary test, diagnostic and measurement equipment. Like oscilloscopes and distortion analyzers.