Main problems and proposed solutions to induction machine drive control of multisystem locomotive

This project was motivated by demand of our industrial partners for proposal of prospective control of induction machine drive for new generation of multisystem locomotives. This paper presents proposed drive control including specifically optimized PWM algorithms. Designed control is based on rotor flux oriented vector control in Cartesian coordinates which is unusually operated due to employed synchronized PWM in whole speed range. Commutation angles for developed synchronous PWM have been found by multi-criteria optimization where the most important measure was reduction of danger frequency components of trolley-wire current which can harm function of railway safety systems. Proper function of proposed control is verified by tests on designed small-scale prototype of locomotive drive. Selected results of extensive experimental study into trolley-wire current spectrum and related drive interaction with railway safety systems, which is one of the most serious problems of modern locomotives and high-speed trains, are considerable part of this paper.