Determination of the rational strategy of voltage regulation of the traction induction electric motor for a shunting diesel locomotive with a group-driven wheelsets

Abstract Methods to enhance the energy efficiency of traction electric drives with induction motors in shunting diesel locomotives with group-driven wheelsets are examined. It is determined that increasing energy efficiency can be achieved by using the rational strategy of voltage regulation of the traction induction electric motor. The value of the voltage of the DC-link and the rational strategy of voltage regulation of the electric motor for all positions of the driver’s controller are determined using the example of the traction electric drive of the modernized diesel locomotive TGM6D-0123. The study was carried out by means of mathematical modelling, which included the calculation of losses in a traction induction motor and a semiconductor converter. According to the calculation results, it was found that the efficiency of the traction electric drive increases from 1…3% at higher positions of the driver controller and more than 15% at lower positions. The results obtained indicate the possibility of improving the energy efficiency of the traction electric drive by applying rational strategies for regulating the voltage of traction induction motors. The use of traction induction motor control strategies that ensure high energy efficiency of the locomotive traction electric drive is an effective way to create energy-efficient traction systems and can be recommended for various vehicles.