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Utilization of Electrical Energy: CHAPTER 4: Electric Traction L-4-1

This document discusses electric traction systems. It defines traction as pulling or drawing something over a surface like a road or track. Electric traction uses electricity at some stage, while non-electric traction does not involve electricity. Electric traction is further divided into self-contained systems and systems fed from a distribution network. The major factor for electrifying railways or other transport is economics - when electric traction is cheaper than alternatives and technically feasible. Electric traction reflects a country's development level and meets modern needs for fast, safe, and economic transport of people and goods.

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61 views

Utilization of Electrical Energy: CHAPTER 4: Electric Traction L-4-1

This document discusses electric traction systems. It defines traction as pulling or drawing something over a surface like a road or track. Electric traction uses electricity at some stage, while non-electric traction does not involve electricity. Electric traction is further divided into self-contained systems and systems fed from a distribution network. The major factor for electrifying railways or other transport is economics - when electric traction is cheaper than alternatives and technically feasible. Electric traction reflects a country's development level and meets modern needs for fast, safe, and economic transport of people and goods.

Uploaded by

Frozen Boy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY

CHAPTER 4: Electric Traction


L-4-1
Introduction
Traction: The action of drawing or pulling something over a surface, especially a
road or track.
The system which uses electrical power for traction system is electric traction.
Contd....

Non Electric Traction: Does not involve use of electricity at any stage. Eg: steam
engine.
Electric Traction: Uses electricity at some stage or other & further divided into self
contained & traction fed from distribution network.
Contd.....

 The major factor of electrification of railways or other traction services is one


of the economics.
 When it is found that operation by electric traction is cheaper than any
alternative method & there are no technical difficulties to adapt electric
traction, it is being more & more popular.
 In the modern world, traction system of any country clearly reflects the
development of that country.
 In the present age, it is the urgent requirement of a man to travel and carry
goods at the fastest possible speed in a safe and economic way.
Contd....

Other reasons which have led to the use of electric traction on railways are:
 Difficulties of smoke emission in big cities.
 To avoid import of coal if water power resources are available.
 Difficulties of procuring diesel etc. for diesel locomotives.
Requirements of an Ideal Traction System

 Maximum tractive effort should be exerted at starting in order that rapid


acceleration may be attained.
 The equipment should be capable of overloads for short periods.
 The wear caused on the track should be minimum.
 The locomotive or train unit should be self contained and able to run on any
route.
 Braking should be possible without excessive wear on brake shoes.
 If possible the braking energy should be regenerated and returned to the supply.
Various Types of Electric Tractions

I. Self-contained electric vehicle


 In this type, the vehicle itself has a provision for generation of electrical energy
required for traction purposes. Various vehicles falling under this heading are:
 Diesel electric trains and ships or diesel electric traction,
 Petrol electric trucks and lorries,
 Battery driven load vehicles.
Contd.....

 The high initial cost involved in track electrification renders it uneconomical


except in case of highly populated urban areas.
 On other conditions, self contained vehicle proves to be economical.
 In this case the electric supply required by electric motors is obtained from DC
generators which is coupled to diesel engine. The DC generator could be self
excited or separately excited type.

The characteristic of diesel engine is such that the torque obtained is approximately
constant and independent of speed & output power increases uniformly with the
speed as shown in the fig. The overload capacity of Diesel Engine is very small.
Contd.....
For traction purpose torque required at the starting is
much higher & varies inversely with the speed. T/P
The constant torque characteristic of diesel engine is not
suitable for traction purpose so some kind of torque
converter is required. The torque converter is installed
between the engine shaft and driving axles i.e. in the
transmission system. N
a) Mechanical Transmission
Variable gear mechanism is employed between engine
shaft & driven wheel to achieve variable speed. This
method is suitable for low power ratings such as road
vehicles but not for trains because of mechanical
difficulties.

Graph: JB Gupta
Contd....
b. Electrical Transmission
Let us assume that the diesel engine is running at constant speed & generator is
producing constant output voltage. An increase in load torque with decrease in speed
there is consequently increase in current. This means power drawn by the traction
motor increases and will overload diesel engine. To avoid this, product of torque &
speed must be constant. (N∝1/T)
For DC motor,
𝑉 𝑉
N ∝ ∝ (Φ ∝ I) & T ∝ I2
Φ 𝐼
Hence,
V ∝1/I
This means generator voltage must be varied inversely as the current.
Various Types of Electric Tractions

II. Electric vehicles fed from the distribution network


The energy supplied fed to traction system can be from separate distribution line
system.
i) D.C. supply system.
ii)A.C. supply system.
iii) Composite system.
Advantages of Electric Traction

• Cleanliness
• Better Speed Control
• Rapid acceleration & retardation
• Lower maintenance & repair costs
• Smooth & efficient braking
• Lack of dependence on crude oil as fuel
• Aesthetic importance
Disadvantages

• High initial cost


• Interference on communication lines
• Risk of electrocution in nearby tracks
End of L-4-1

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