During the high-speed operation of trains, the axles and bearing systems are subjected to tremendous mechanical stress and frictional heat. Local overheating is prone to occur due to problems such as bearing wear, loose bearing shells or abnormal clearance. In severe cases, it may lead to equipment degeneration or even train accidents. Therefore, real-time and precise monitoring of shaft temperature has become an important part of railway safety operation and maintenance. Infrared thermal cameras, as a non-contact and highly efficient temperature monitoring tool, are widely used in the field of railway axle temperature monitoring. However, traditional infrared thermal imaging equipment is limited by frame rate and thermal time constant, making it difficult to meet the monitoring requirements of high-speed running trains. The THDS (Trackside Hotbox Detection System) infrared thermal camera, an infrared axle temperature detection system launched by Yoseen Infrared, has effectively solved these problems through technological breakthroughs, providing a more reliable solution for train axle temperature monitoring.

The difficulties and Requirements of Train axle temperature monitoring

The heat generated by train axles during operation changes rapidly and is distributed complexly, especially at high speeds, where temperature transients occur extremely frequently. The frame rate of conventional infrared thermal cameras is usually only 30Hz or 50Hz, and the thermal time constant is approximately 12ms, which leads to trailing, blurring and temperature measurement deviation when shooting high-speed moving targets, and makes it impossible to accurately capture the subtle changes in axis temperature. In addition, the on-site environment of the railway is complex. The equipment needs to have the capabilities of being rainproof, dustproof, and resistant to electromagnetic interference, and must support continuous operation around the clock. Therefore, high frame rate, low thermal time constant and good environmental adaptability have become the key requirements for shaft temperature monitoring thermal cameras.

The technical advantages of Yoseen Infrared high-speed thermal cameras (Infrared spool temperature detection system THDS infrared thermal camera)

In response to the special requirements of train axle temperature monitoring, Yoseen Infrared  has launched a high-speed infrared thermal camera with a frame rate of 125Hz and a thermal time constant of only 4ms. This technical indicator is significantly superior to conventional equipment and has the following prominent advantages:

Quick response and precise temperature measurement

A thermal time constant of 4ms means that the device is extremely sensitive to temperature changes, capable of quickly capturing the temperature distribution of high-speed moving axles and avoiding measurement errors and image blurring caused by response delays. When the train passes at high speed, every frame of the temperature picture is clearly captured, ensuring the real-time and accuracy of the temperature data.

High frame rate continuous monitoring, no omissions in detection

The high frame rate of 125Hz supports real-time uninterrupted shooting. Even when facing trains traveling at hundreds of kilometers per hour, it can effectively track the temperature changes of key components such as axle boxes and bearings, achieving full-process thermal state monitoring and over-temperature early warning, significantly reducing the risk of missed inspections.

Intelligent analysis facilitates predictive maintenance

The software system that comes with the equipment supports the collection, storage and intelligent analysis of real-time temperature data. By comparing historical data with real-time trends, it can provide a scientific basis for the assessment of axle health status and preventive maintenance, thereby improving maintenance efficiency and reducing operation and maintenance costs.

System integration and environmental adaptability design

To adapt to the complex and diverse installation environment and harsh climatic conditions at railway sites, the THDS (Trackside Hotbox Detection System) high-speed thermal camera of Yoseen Infrared adopts a dedicated protective cover and installation base plate design:

Special protective cover: Equipped with a sunshade and rainproof plate, effectively protecting the equipment from rain, dust and direct sunlight.

Adjustable installation base plate: Supports flexible adjustment according to the on-site distance and Angle to ensure that the shooting Angle covers the key parts of the axle.

Outstanding electromagnetic compatibility: The equipment has passed multiple electromagnetic compatibility tests including electrostatic discharge (±6kV), surge test (±1kV), and fast pulse burst, and complies with the GB/T 17626 series standards, ensuring stable operation in a railway environment with strong electromagnetic interference.

Practical application effect

In actual deployment, the THDS (Trackside Hotbox Detection System) high-speed thermal camera of Yoseen Infrared was installed at key locations along the railway to automatically scan the axles of passing trains. The system not only realizes real-time monitoring of axle temperature and over-temperature alarm, but also gradually builds a database of axle health status through data accumulation and analysis, providing maintenance decision support for vehicle depots. This application significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of fault detection, reduces the cost and risk of manual inspection, and provides a strong guarantee for the safe operation of trains.

With the continuous increase in railway operating speed, the requirements for monitoring the condition of key equipment are becoming increasingly strict. Infrared thermal imaging technology, due to its non-contact and high-efficiency characteristics, has become an important means of shaft temperature monitoring. Through innovations in frame rate and thermal time constant, Yoseen Infrared has promoted the in-depth application of high-speed thermal imagers in the field of railway safety, providing a solid technical foundation for achieving intelligent and precise railway operation and maintenance management.

In the future, with the further integration of artificial intelligence and big data technologies, THDS (Trackside Hotbox Detection System) high-speed thermal camera of Yoseen Infrared will play a greater role in fault prediction, health management and other aspects, and continue to contribute to the safe and efficient development of the rail transit industry.