Single-phase traction drive with solid-rotor induction motor and synchronous phase convertor

A single-phase mains-frequency traction drive is investigated, which uses a solid-rotor induction drive motor and an unloaded synchronous machine as a single-phase to 3-phase convertor. Theoretical and practical work, including the example of a full-scale tubular-axle induction motor (TAIM) with solid rotor, demonstrates that performance with a synchronous phase convertor is significantly better than that of the Ferraris-Arno system. Studies of a 250 kW TAIM drive show the influence of synchronous convertor size.