Cooling of Locomotive Chambers Under Extreme Thermal Constraints

Challenges

• Ensure adequate cooling of electronic components within the cabinet
• Guarantee that exhaust gases meet specifications for velocity, temperature, and pressure in the gas mixing chamber
• Limit the temperature of external surfaces accessible to operators to prevent burn risks
• Cool various components using ambient tunnel air, which can reach up to 50 °C in summer

Solutions

CFD Simulation

• Conducted multiple iterations to find optimal solutions for each chamber with cooling challenges
• Explored various configurations without relying on physical prototypes
• Analyzed the impact of design on airflow distribution, temperature, and thermal safety

Design Optimization

• Adapted duct geometry and ventilation openings to meet the specific needs of each chamber
• Integrated custom solutions to maximize cooling despite very hot ambient air

Results

Thanks to CFD simulation and design optimization:

• Electronic components were successfully cooled, even under extreme conditions
• Exhaust gases were confirmed to meet temperature, pressure, and safety standards
• Thermal risks for operators were eliminated without compromising internal system performance
• Significant time and cost savings were achieved by relying exclusively on simulation, avoiding prototype fabrication

This project demonstrates how CFD simulation can push the boundaries of thermal design in harsh environments, while accelerating timelines and controlling modernization costs.