Driving gear units can be affected by various problems, including those associated with external or internal defects in the bearing, problems with the lubricant oil, high-loading of the railway, and frequent impacts generated by rail joints. Temperature monitoring is a basic method in diagnosing abnormal conditions in the reduction gear and other components. This paper describes a new wireless monitoring system for the temperature diagnosis of abnormal conditions of the reduction gear. Integrated circuit (IC)-type temperature sensors were installed in the reduction gear box of a high-speed railway car. The temperature data from the reduction gear were acquired and analyzed in situ during high-speed rail operation. Analysis of these data was used to alert the driver and/or maintenance personnel when problems occurred.
