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Electronic control systems for diesel generators used on diesel locomotives were invented 25–30 years ago. In the 1980s, the Kolomna Machine Building Plant in the Soviet Union developed an electronic system for regulating and protecting diesel engines. Control algorithms were created that were compliant with all the requirements imposed on electric hydraulic control systems for diesel locomotive engines. However, the absence of reliable electronic systems at that time did not allow this regulation system to be put into operation. Today, we are seeing intense development and adoption of electronic control systems for locomotives. Russia is one of many countries in which various electronic diesel locomotive engine control systems are being created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A need to determine the performance efficiency of diesel locomotives arises when it is necessary to assess the quality of work done by operating organizations and make a comparative assessment of the adoption of new locomotives, new structural parts of their power plants, or new control algorithms. The first of these tasks is accomplished using the data obtained during the operation of locomotives, the scope of tkm work performed, the aggregate diesel fuel consumption, the quality of following the train schedule, and other indicators. To comparatively assess the efficiency of using locomotives of different series or adopting structural modifications, it is necessary to derive corresponding criteria of assessment and mathematical tools that will allow taking into account the peculiarities of power plants installed on locomotives. This article considers existing approaches to assessing locomotives on the basis of energy efficiency and proposes a new integrated vehicle energy efficiency index, a technique for calculating this index, a technique for representing train operations in a limited set of single train running modes, and a procedure for designing these modes considering stationary and unsteady operational modes of the power plant and equipment assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A power-isolation transformer for high-frequency operation has been developed for auxiliary converters of locomotives with autonomous power plants, that is, diesel locomotives and gas-turbine locomotives. The design features of the transformer are considered, taking into account the required weight and dimensions. The results of thermal calculations for various operating inductions are presented, taking into account the selected material and type of magnetic circuit. The features of providing the required insulation resistance between the transformer windings and the windings and the housing are described. The results of testing the transformer as part of a PSN350 auxiliary converter at a full load of 350 kW are presented. The test results show the operability of the transformer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equipment for carrying out onboard diagnostics is an important component in systems for controlling the state and reliability of rolling stock, in particular, that of diesel locomotives. It makes it possible to monitor a locomotive's service quality, to detect and predict changes in its technical state without interrupting the carriage process, and to efficiently use the high-cost stationary and local diagnostic means, as well as to correct service time and volume by taking into account the real technical state. Therefore, it is important to develop methods for determining the technical state of locomotive units by using an MCS-T(N,E) (micro-processor control system) locomotive's diagnostic subsystem of a locomotive and software for processing the measurement data. The main aim of such a method is to monitor the technical state of a locomotive's equipment and predict changes in it. At the present time, simplified diagnostic models are used to solve such problems. However, to increase the efficiency and reliability of the process of checking complicated objects such as a locomotive, it is necessary to use more complex diagnostic models based on artificial neural networks. A way to use a neural-network method and neural fuzzy diagnostic models for diagnosing the excitation system of traction generators of modern diesel locomotives is presented in this paper. Information collected by the MCS-TP subsystem is used as diagnostic information. It is transferred online to a remote diagnostic server. The method for diagnosing the excitation system of a traction generator is checked by processing the measurement information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors determining the energy efficiency ratio of self-contained locomotives are considered, which come down to the diesel fuel efficiency for traction. A methodology for calculating the energy efficiency ratio of a self-contained locomotive with electric power transmission is presented, making it possible to uniquely determine its energy efficiency level, all other things being equal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Features of the application of asynchronous three-phase engines with a short-circuit rotor for traction electric drives are discussed. Possible variants of control systems are analyzed at the structural-logic level. Recommendations of their implementation in traction electric drives of an electric-rolling stock and diesel locomotives are proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for choosing parameters for a traction synchronous generator is proposed that makes it possible to minimize the power consumption in the excitation winding circuit. A calculation model for the magnetic circuit of a traction synchronous generator is presented. The model summarizes the design parameters of the machine and the characteristics of magnetic materials used in making the stator and rotor yoke. For the case of operation under load, the demagnetizing effect of the armature reaction in the saturation mode has been taken into account according to the Richter method. The determination of the magnetomotive force of the excitation winding is based on the numerical calculation of the Blondel vector diagram. Relative values for the design parameters of the synchronous generator are used in the model. The proposed approach makes it possible, based on the similarity theory of electric machines, to extend the results obtained to synchronous generators having different capacities. The performed calculations have made it possible to obtain a quantitative level of power consumption under the excitation of a synchronous generator depending on the relative values of generator design parameters and on the magnetomotive force in the toothed layer of the machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues in creating a contact-battery electric locomotive for shunting work have been considered. The structure and main parameters of the traction electric drive have been selected, the type of traction motor and its characteristics have been determined. Mathematical modeling of the locomotive has been performed during shunting work with and without a train. The main parameters of movement and the load of traction electrical equipment have been determined. The traction and energy indicators of a contact-battery electric locomotive have been evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failures of rolling bearings of asynchronous traction motors of locomotives are studied. The malfunctions of rolling bearing units of locomotives are analyzed. The vibration and current signals and the corresponding frequency spectra of an electric motor when operating in normal conditions, as well as with bearing failures, are presented. A model to assess the technical condition of locomotive rolling bearings is developed, and the feasibility of proactive diagnosis, which makes it possible to identify defects in advance at an early stage of their development, is substantiated. The results of the study can be used in systems of real-time diagnosis of the technical condition of rolling bearings of asynchronous traction motors of locomotives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model of a collector traction motor with independent excitation has been proposed in which eddy currents from the main and additional poles are separately taken into account. The results of computer simulations to determine the response of developed model to an abrupt change in the voltage across the anchor and when the anchor is powered by a pulse converter have been considered. The electromagnetic processes that occur in the traction motor have been examined in detail at rated and reduced current of main poles and at various speeds. The mechanism of the effect of eddy currents from additional poles on the magnetic flux of main poles of the machine, emf, and rate of rise of the anchor current has been analyzed. The factors directly affecting the degree of influence of eddy currents from additional poles on the electromagnetic processes in a traction motor have been determined. Conclusions have been drawn regarding the appropriateness of taking into account the phenomenon under consideration when simulating the operation of a traction electric drive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern means of power electronics are promoting a transition from standard locomotives with diesel motors and electric locomotives to traction drives with asynchronous motors and permanent magnet motors, as well as hybrid electric vehicles. This article focuses on unique aspects of power electronics related to hybrid electric vehicle applications. The efficacy of using a bidirectional converter in a connecting energy accumulating device, a battery or supercapacitors with a dc bus of a traction motor, and matching voltage of an energy storage system and traction motor control system is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spinning detection method of a locomotive wheelset in a dc traction drive and its implementation on the basis of intelligent processing of measuring data of the drive control system is considered. An increase in the amplitudes of the low-frequency harmonics of the voltage sensor output signal on the locomotive power circuit elements is used as a sign of loss of motion stability of the wheelset due to reaching the threshold wheel–rail adhesion. For automatic multilevel identification of spinning modes, a random forest algorithm-based classifier is used. The results of the analysis of the control power circuit parameters preindicated by experts show the high sensitivity and accuracy of the proposed intelligent spinning detection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief review and comparative characteristics of scalar control systems for traction induction motors for using in the traction electric drive are presented. It is shown that, despite the obvious advantages of the systems of vector control and direct torque control, scalar control systems have found wide application. The operation features of scalar control systems with stability0 of absolute slip and a minimum of stator current are considered. Based on the equivalent circuit of an induction motor taking into account the stator and rotor iron loss, a comparative evaluation of the considered scalar control systems based on the criterion of the efficiency coefficient taking into account the temperature of the stator and rotor windings is presented. Simulation results in the MATLAB environment for an 11-kW induction motor are presented. It is established that scalar control systems operating under the principle of a stator current minimum have an advantage, as this maintains the desired torque value with higher values of efficiency coefficient, which decreases electromagnetic loads and power loss. It is shown that it is necessary to take into account the influence of windings temperature on the stator voltage and the parameters of the control system in connection with its affect on the minimum stator current and optimal absolute slip ensuring extremal control by current minimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extended work of specialists at MK Energosberezhenie (MKE) has resulted in so-called 'hybrid' air conditioners with integrated converters, new power supply systems for cars with drastically improved performance, and new-generation traction rectifiers for the main types of locomotives in Russia and Ukraine. New solutions for hybrid shunting locomotives have been proposed. Most of the developments are being produced on a mass scale and have been implemented on the Russian and the Ukrainian railroads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer simulation is used to determine impact dynamic loads during through faults in the voltage inverter of the asynchronous traction drive of a mainline diesel locomotive. The methods for decreasing this load our outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermolite electric insulating system of heat-resistance classes H and C is tested and the test results are presented. It is shown that the developed insulating system makes it possible to increase the motor's power compared to traditional systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]