Conceptual directions in developing the structure traction power systems of locomotives

Abstract

The article presents a brief analysis of schemes and designs of the locomotive traction power systems (TPS). The most perspective directions of TPS structure development are being considered. The article studies the possibilities of transi-tion from “rigid” variants of the TPS structure to “flexible” ones, adapting to the traffic conditions and allowing to in-crease the efficiency and thus to reduce the consumption of fuel and energy resources. The TPS structure of non-autonomous locomotives (electric locomotives) equipped with multi-motor traction electric drive with individual regula-tion is considered. In the course of tests it is established that the application of discrete-adaptive control realizing the principle of horizontal scaling allows reducing the specific power consumption for traction by 20...30%. The TPS struc-ture of autonomous locomotives (diesel locomotives) is being studied. It is shown that it is necessary to provide the highest possible energy efficiency of the primary diesel-generator power plant, which entails the transition to power plants having a modular structure. The unified structure of locomotive TPS is proposed, which has various sources of primary energy (contact network, modular diesel-generator or gas turbine unit, hydrogen fuel cells), energy storage and traction electric drive. The central element of such a structure is a constant voltage link, which is the basis for the inter-connection of all traction and auxiliary equipment. Examples of implementation are given: a shunting contact-battery electric locomotive of the EMKA2 type and a shunting diesel locomotive TEMP-1tt with a dual-diesel power plant and electrical AC power transmission, here diesel fuel savings amounted to up to 20%.