De-icing of trains in a Nordic climate

Background

At temperatures below zero, ice tend to build up underneath the trains during operation. It is therefore necessary to de-ice the trains at regular intervals. This is done by parking the train inside a dedicated building and heating the bottom of the train, usually by blowing warm air. The de-icing requires large amounts of energy and the company SJ, owning a large part of the Swedish train fleet, is looking for more efficient ways of removing the ice.

Thesis objectives

The objective of the work is to investigate the efficiency of the methods used today, and to suggest alternative methods for de-icing. The plan is to test new methods during the following winter, but this will be outside the scope and time limits of the thesis project.

Methodology

The work should start with a literature/market survey to identify methods of de-icing used in other companies all over the world.

Measurements should then be done on the efficiency of the methods used today at the SJ railway yard in Solna by estimating the amount of energy used for de-icing and comparing to what would ideally be required.

Based on the findings, improved methods of de-icing should be suggested. The suggestions should be detailed enough to serve as the basis for designing a test system which can be used to verify the method. Modelling of heat transfer and flow may be used as support in the design process.

Expected results

The project is expected to result in the development of improved methods of de-icing of trains which can be practically tested and applied by SJ and possibly other companies as well.

Duration

The project will start in January 2023 and the work is planned for the coming 20 weeks

Contact persons

Supervisor

Examiner:

Cooperation:

The project is done in cooperation with staff at SJ