Improving the energy efficiency of electric drives for auxiliary units of traction rolling stock

Abstract

Abstract The review of technical solutions and schematic characteristics of auxiliary drives for traction vehicles has shown that the most rational variant is an electric drive with an induction machine. Given the operating modes of the auxiliary drives and the share of their power consumption in the total locomotive power, the task of using scalar control systems for induction machines becomes relevant. Based on a mathematical model describing the dynamic energy conversion processes in the T-shape substitution circuit of an induction motor, taking into account stator steel losses and current displacement effects in the rotor winding and saturation along the main magnetic path, possibilities for reducing stator current have been investigated. In order to improve the energy efficiency of electric drives two variants of control system have been proposed. One based on search method of self-tuning to the stator current minimum and the other - on maintaining the power factor of induction motor at the level that ensures equality of active and reactive components of stator current. The hardware and software requirements for implementing control systems have been analysed. Modelling using Matlab has shown that both control systems work - power loss reduction can be as low as 50% and as high as 60% in certain modes.