On the interaction and integration of wheelset control and traction system

This paper carries out a fundamental study of integrating the control of railway wheelset with the provision of traction. Three key elements where critical interactions are likely to occur are considered. One is the traction subsystem including a traction motor and the transmission dynamics; the second is the active control with real dynamics of an electro-mechanical actuator; and finally the flexibility of the axle is also considered. A number of active control strategies and actuation configurations are investigated to study the effect of the interactions on different control methods. The stability of the system as a whole is analysed and performances are assessed.