Numerical analysis of thermal flow field characteristics of mechanical cab in a high-power electric locomotive

Owing to radiating lots of heat from some mechanical components which installed in electric locomotive, it is absolutely necessary to research deeply distribution characteristics of thermal flux field and temperature distribution of the mechanical cab, in order to ensure the air temperature of the cab does not exceed allowable range when electric locomotive runs in normal weather. In the present thesis, a three dimensional numerical study on thermal flow field characteristics of the mechanical cab was carried out. The airflow field and temperature field distribution were numerically analyzed when the locomotive run in extreme bad ambient temperature (such as 40°C or -40 °C). The effects of the cooling conditions on thermal flow field characteristics were researched. According to the simulation results, ventilation unit must be set up for the mechanical cab at any conditions, or the temperature would exceed allowable range. Some valuable suggestions on optimal design of the ventilating and cooling unit were put forward. It is also recommended that key controlling parameters and installing position of the cooling fans should be determined by radiating heat of the heating components and their layout.