Lucknow: As part of a three-month trial, a dehumidifier has been installed in an electric locomotive in Kanpur aimed at protecting key electrical equipment from moisture-related damage.The machine, called a rotary desiccant dehumidifier, uses a rotating wheel containing silica gel to absorb excess moisture from the air.Excess moisture can damage electrical components inside a locomotive, including circuit boards, wires, connectors and insulation. It can also cause rusting, dust accumulation, electrical leakage and short circuits. In some cases, it may lead to failures in the locomotive’s traction converter, a critical unit that helps power the locomotive.CPRO Shivam Sharma of North Central Railway (NCR) said, “The dehumidifier is expected to keep the area around the traction converter dry. The trial will examine whether this helps protect electrical components and reduce failures linked to moisture.”He said similar systems are used on some locomotive platforms in Europe. However, their suitability for Indian Railways will be assessed after the Kanpur trial, he said.
