UNIT-2 ELECTRIC TRACTION
Introduction:
Electric traction refers to the use of electric motors to generate the tractive force for
vehicles, primarily in transportation systems like railways and trams. It involves the
transmission of electrical power to the vehicle, which then converts it into mechanical energy
to drive the wheels. Electric traction systems offer several advantages over traditional
methods like steam or diesel, including higher efficiency, lower emissions, and reduced
reliance on fossil fuels.
Choice of an Electric Motor:
Choosing an electric motor involves considering several key factors. The primary
considerations are the type of power source (AC or DC), the required torque and speed, the
duty cycle, and the operating environment. Other important factors include the motor's size,
efficiency, voltage, and the type of control needed.
Factors to consider when choosing an electric motor:
Power Source:
AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) motors have different characteristics and
applications. AC motors are generally more efficient at higher speeds, while DC motors can
be more efficient and easier to control at lower speeds.
Torque:
Torque is the rotational force produced by the motor and is crucial for starting and
acceleration. The required torque depends on the load the motor needs to drive.
Speed:
The motor's speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), is another critical factor. The
speed should match the requirements of the application.
Duty Cycle:
The duty cycle indicates how long the motor can operate continuously without overheating.
Operating Environment:
The environment where the motor will operate (e.g., temperature, humidity, presence of dust
or moisture) influences the type of enclosure and motor protection needed.
Voltage:
The motor's voltage rating should be compatible with the available power source.
Control Requirements:
Some applications require precise speed or position control, which may necessitate
specialized motor types like servo motors or stepper motors.
Efficiency:
Higher efficiency means the motor converts more electrical energy into mechanical work,
reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
Size and Weight:
The motor's physical size and weight should be compatible with the application's space and
weight restrictions.
Cost:
Consider both the initial purchase price and the long-term operating and maintenance costs.
Types of Motors:
AC Motors: Induction motors (squirrel cage and slip ring), synchronous motors, and
universal motors are common types of AC motors.
DC Motors: Brushed DC motors and brushless DC (BLDC) motors are widely used.
Other types: Stepper motors, servo motors, and linear motors are specialized types of motors
used in specific applications requiring precise control or linear motion.
Electric Traction Systems
The system which use electrical power for traction system i.e. for railways, trams, trolleys,
etc. is called electrical traction. The track electrification refers to the type of source supply
system that is used while powering the electric locomotive systems. It can be AC or DC or a
composite supply.
Selecting the type of electrification depends on several factors like availability of supply, type
of an application area, or on the services like urban, suburban and main line services, etc.
The three main types of electric traction systems that exist are as follows:
1. Direct Current (DC) electrification system
2. Alternating Current (AC) electrification system
3. Composite system.
1- DC Electrification System
The choice of selecting DC electrification system encompasses many advantages, such as
space and weight considerations, rapid acceleration and braking of DC electric motors, less
cost compared to AC systems, less energy consumption and so on.
In this type of system, three-phase power received from the power grids is de-escalated to
low voltage and converted into DC by the rectifiers and power-electronic converters.
This type of DC supply is supplied to the vehicle through two different ways:
a. 3rd and 4 the rail system operate at low voltages (600-1200V)
b. Overhead rail systems use high voltages (1500-3000V)
The supply systems of DC electrification include;
a. 300-500V supply for the special systems like battery systems.
b. 600-1200V for urban railways like tramways and light metro trains.
c. 1500-3000V for suburban and mainline services like light metros and heavy metro trains.
Due to high starting torque and moderate speed control, the DC series motors are extensively
employed in the DC traction systems. They provide high torque at low speeds and low torque
at high speeds.
Advantages;
a. In case of heavy trains that require frequent and rapid accelerations, DC traction motors are
better choice as compared AC motors.
b. DC train consumes less energy compared to AC unit for operating same service conditions.
c. The equipment in DC traction system is less costly, lighter and more efficient than AC
traction system.
d. It causes no electrical interference with nearby communication lines.
Disadvantages;
1. Expensive substations are required at frequent intervals.
2. The overhead wire or third rail must be relatively large and heavy.
3. Voltage goes on decreasing with increase in length.
2- AC Electrification System
An AC traction system has become very popular nowadays, and it is more often used in most
of the traction systems due to several advantages, such as quick availability and generation of
AC that can be easily stepped up or down, easy controlling of AC motors, less number of
substations requirement, and the presence of light overhead catenaries that transfer low
currents at high voltages, and so on.
The supply systems of AC electrification include single, three phase, and composite systems.
The Single phase systems consist of 11 to 15 KV supply at 16.7Hz, and 25Hz to facilitate
variable speed to AC commutation motors. It uses step down transformer and frequency
converters to convert from the high voltages and fixed industrial frequency.
The Single phase 25KV at 50Hz is the most commonly used configuration for AC
electrification. It is used for heavy haul systems and main line services since it doesn’t
require frequency conversion. This is one of the widely used types of composite systems
wherein the supply is converted to DC to drive DC traction motors.
Three phase system uses three phase induction motor to drive the locomotive, and it is rated
at 3.3.KV, 16.7Hz. The high-voltage distribution system at 50 Hz supply is converted to this
electric motor rating by transformers and frequency converters. This system employs two
overhead lines, and the track rail forms another phase, but this raises many problems at
crossings and junctions.
Advantages;
1. Fewer substations are required.
2. Lighter overhead current supply wire can be used.
3. Reduced weight of support structure.
4. Reduced capital cost of electrification.
Disadvantages;
1. Significant cost of electrification.
2. Increased maintainance cost of lines.
3. Overhead wires further limit clearance in tunnels.
4. Upgrading needs additional cost especially in case there are brigdes and tunnels.
5. Railway traction needs immune power with no cuts.
3- Composite System
Composite System (or multi-system) trains are used to provide continuous journeys along
routes that are electrified using more than one system. One way to accomplish this is by
changing locomotives at the switching stations. These stations have overhead wires that can
be switched from one voltage to another. Another way is to use multi-system locomotives
that can operate under several different voltages and current types. In Europe, it is common to
use four-system locomotives. (1.5 kV DC, 3 kV DC, 15 kV 16⅔ Hz AC, 25 kV 50 Hz AC).
